§ 70. Sir H. CROFTasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the total number of spindles in the cotton industry in Great Britain and the United States, respectively?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERAccording to the information given in the "International Cotton Bulletin," the estimated numbers of cotton-spinning spindles at the end of January, 1925, were 56,710,000 in Great Britain and 37,886,000 in the United States of America.
§ Colonel APPLINWill the right hon. Gentleman say if the wages paid in America in this industry are not at least twice those paid in this country?
§ Colonel GRETTONCan the right hon. Gentleman say if the numbers given refer to the spindles in the country or to the number of spindles employed? What is the number employed?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe answer refers to the total number of spindles. I do not know whether I could obtain the number employed, but if my hon. and gallant Friend puts down a question, I will see if I can give him the information he desires.
§ Mr. LANSBURYCould the right hon. Gentleman at the same time give information as to the number of British-owned spindles in Japan and China manufacturing cotton goods to go to India in competition with Lancashire spindles?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI do not think it would be possible to obtain that information.