SIR HOWARD VINCENTTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if he can state how many cotton mills in Lancashire are now working short time, how many operatives are affected, and what is the approximate loss to them in their total weekly wage; and, further, whether he has any reports showing the cause of this short time and loss of wages; and also if there are any areas in the British Empire as suitable for the production of raw cotton as the Southern States of the American Republic.
(Answered by Mr. Gerald Balfour) There are no official figures giving the particulars asked for in the first part of the Question, but I am informed that about 700 cotton factories are working short time, the number of operatives affected being estimated at 360,000. I understand that the short time is due to a deficiency in the supply of raw cotton but I have no information as to the cause of the shortage beyond what has appeared in the newspapers. With respect to the last part of the Question I understand that the matter of cotton growing within the British Empire is receiving careful consideration from the British Cotton Growing Association and others. The Board of Trade is prepared to give any practicable help in this matter.