§ 86. Mr. ANDERSONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the facts with regard to the danger of a shortage of cotton; whether he can state how far this is attributable to shortage in the supply of raw material, to shortage of shipping, and to labour difficulties due to recruitment; and if he can state what proposals or recommendations are made by his Department with a view to meeting the emergency?
Mr. ROBERTSThe output of the Lancashire mills has been affected by labour difficulties due to recruitment and other war needs. In recent weeks the imports of cotton have fallen below the point necessary to meet the full demands of all the mills, and stocks are consequently being depleted. Steps are being taken by His Majesty's Government to increase the import of cotton so far as possible. In these circumstances I have thought it advisable to set up a Control Board consisting of representatives of the various interests affected, including both employers and operatives. To this Board 526 will be delegated certain powers to be taken by the Board of Trade by an Order which will be made under the Defence of the Realm Regulations and which will give that body control over the distribution and use of raw cotton.