§ 1. Mr. TINKERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that wages costs in the, cotton textile industry have only increased about 60 per cent. since 1913, while banking and other costs have increased more than 100 per cent., he will consider the desirability of setting up a committee of inquiry into the position in the cotton textile industry?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for the Elland Division (Mr. Robinson) on. 15th February, a copy of which I am sending him.
§ Mr. WADDINGTONIs it a fact that wages in the cotton trade have increased by 90 per cent. and not 60 per cent.?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI would like notice of that question.
§ Dr. WATTSMay I ask how much of this 100 per cent. increase in cost is due to the high price which Lancashire has had to pay for coal, owing to the coal dispute?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI have answered the question on the Paper, and I clearly could not answer the last Supplementary without notice.