§ 27. Mr. ARTHUR HENDERSONasked whether the Government are now in a position to say what proposals, if any, they have to make for assisting the textile industry of Lancashire to overcome the difficulties arising out of the War crisis, which have resulted in an increase of unemployment, as stated by the trade union deputation on the 27th of August last?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. I am discussing the subject this afternoon with the representatives of the Lancashire textile unions, and I cannot make any statement to-day.
§ 28. Mr. ARTHUR HENDERSONasked the Prime Minister whether the suggestions made by the deputation representing the Trades Union Congress, the General Federation of Trade Unions, and the Labour party, on the 27th August, have been considered; and whether the Government can now say what proposals, if any, are to be adopted for assisting trade unions to deal with unemployment owing to the War crisis?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI hope to make a statement on this subject very shortly. The proposals are under discussion between the Board of Trade and the Treasury.
§ Mr. HENDERSONMay I ask whether, in view of the very great importance of this matter to trade unions, the Government will endeavour to expedite their decision on this point?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI hope to be able to make a statement this week, and certainly at the earliest possible moment.