§ Sir DONALD MACLEAN(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether the Cabinet has reconsidered, or intends to reconsider, their decision to proceed with the draft Order under Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act?
§ The PRIME MINISTERCertain representations by a very important and influential deputation received yesterday from the Lancashire cotton industry against the inclusion of one particular item in the draft Order are being considered by the Cabinet. The deputation has been given an opportunity to furnish further information, and the final decision of the Government in the matter will be announced as soon as possible.
§ Captain W. BENNHas the Prime Minister's attention been directed to the fact that the evidence taken by this Committee is now six months old and is rapidly losing its value if the decision is postponed much longer?
§ Major M. WOODWill the whole of the draft Order be postponed with the other articles mentioned in the Schedule?
Lieut.-Colonel ARCHFR-SHEEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, owing to the delay in issuing this Order, large numbers of German gloves are being sent into the country, thereby throwing out of work large numbers of English workmen and women?
§ Sir D. MACLEANIs the consideration of the Cabinet only to be applied to one of the articles in the draft Order or to all of them?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe deputation was in reference to one particular item. We promised to consider the statements and figures they placed before 585 us and these had reference to one item alone.
§ Mr. KILEYWill the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to receive deputations from those concerned in the other commodities?
§ Captain BENNWhen may we expect the decision of the Cabinet?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe deputation promised to send a full statement of particulars in the course of the next few days. It depends upon them. As soon as we receive those particulars we shall consider them and come to a decision.
§ Major-General SEELYWill the House have an opportunity of discussing this matter, which gravely affects a large number of workmen residing in constituencies, one of which is my own?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI understand that the Order must be discussed by the House of Commons.
§ Major WOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that if this Order is made in the Recess it is not necessary to bring it before the House? Can we have a pledge that no Order in respect of these articles will be brought into force before the House has had an opportunity of discussing it?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think it is fair that the House ought to have an opportunity of discussion. I pressed the deputation yesterday to send us the information as soon as possible, because I feel that the House ought to have an opportunity, before the Adjournment, of discussing the matter.
§ Captain BENNWill the Orders relating to the other articles await the decision on the fabric gloves article?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI believe they are all in one Order. Therefore, they must wait.
§ 57. Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that over 22,000 operatives engaged in the Bolton textile industry have signed a petition protesting against the proposed duty on imported fabric gloves; and, if so, whether he can make a statement on the subject?
§ Mr. BALDWINThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I have no statement to make on the subject at present.
§ Mr. DAVIESWhile the right hon. Gentleman is receiving representations from manufacturers and employers, will he give due weight to the opinion of the operatives, as well, on this important matter?
§ Mr. BALDWINI always endeavour to give due weight to everything that is put before me.