HC Deb 25 June 1925 vol 185 c1724
70. Sir H. CROFT

asked 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-LISTER

According 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 APPLIN

Will 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 GRETTON

Can 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-LISTER

The 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. LANSBURY

Could 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-LISTER

I do not think it would be possible to obtain that information.