§ 26. Captain LOSEBYasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that many employés in the British glass industry, largely built up during the War, are being daily discharged owing to the fact that the present rate of exchange renders it almost impossible for English manufacturers to compete with German manufacturers, further assisted by the prevailing conditions of sweated labour; and if he is yet in a position to give an assurance to those reliant upon the continued existence of this industry that the difficulties created by the rate of exchange have not been overlooked and that temporary emergency legislation, calculated to provide definite and early relief, can be confidently expected?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Bridgeman, for Sir R. Horne)My right hon. Friend is aware of the position m the glass industry, but is not able at present to add anything to the answer of the 17th November given by the Parliamentary Secretary to the hon. Member for South Nottingham (Lord H. Cavendish-Bentinck), of which he is sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy.
Colonel C. LOWTHERIs it not a fact that the glass industry has been compelled to close down some factories, and can nothing be done now to safeguard this industry before it is too late?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANMy right hon. Friend is keeping the glass industry under close observation, and the hon. and gallant Member may rest assured that he will do everything he can do.