§ 45. Mr. MORRELLasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the increasing unemployment in the cotton trade at Burnley and in other parts of Lancashire owing to the shortage of raw cotton and other causes, and of the distress and discontent which is thus caused; and whether he proposes to take any steps in the matter?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Wardle)The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. The Cotton Control Board, consisting of representatives of employers and operatives, has for the past ten months raised funds for the payment of unemployment benefit by imposing levies on employers working more than a certain percentage of machinery. Recently unemployment has increased through further curtailment of the imports of cotton, and steps have been taken to augment the fund raised by levies, which are now imposed on all working spindles and looms. It is hoped that the amount thus realised will be sufficient to maintain the unemployment allowances on the existing scale.
§ Mr. MORRELLIs the hon. Gentleman aware that at a meeting held last week of all the committees of all the societies connected with the Textile Trades Federation a resolution was passed unanimously protesting against the treatment by the Government of the cotton trade, and asking that steps should be taken to allocate a larger proportion of shipping to the importation of raw cotton?
§ Mr. WARDLEI have seen the resolution referred to, which is certainly not quite in the terms the hon. Member has indicated to the House. I should like to remind him that the operatives have a direct representation on the Cotton Control Board, and can make their representations in a quarter where they are likely to be heard at once.
§ Mr. SNOWDENIs the Board of Trade doing anything to meet the point put forward in my hon. Friend's question, that is, to allocate a larger amount of shipping to the importation of raw cotton?
§ Mr. WARDLEThe Board of Trade have no power to allocate shipping, but they have made a representation on the point to those who have.
§ Mr. MORRELLAs this question was addressed to the Prime Minister, will the Leader of the House consider this very serious matter?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Bonar Law)I need not tell the hon. Member or the House that the question of the allocation of shipping is one of the most difficult we have to deal with, and it is constantly engaging our attention. It has been considered over and over again whether more shipping should be given to cotton.