HC Deb 25 February 1930 vol 235 cc2017-8
3. Sir NAIRNE STEWART SANDEMAN

asked the Lord Privy Seal in view of the agreement come to between the trade unions and the employers with regard to the use of automatic looms in the cotton and artificial silk trades, what measure of financial assistance he will be prepared to advise in order to help employers with the cost of installation?

The LORD PRIVY SEAL (Mr. J. H. Thomas)

As I informed the hon. Member for Pudsey and Otley (Mr. G. Gibson) on 28th January, it is for the leaders of the industries concerned to formulate proposals for re-organisation, but I shall, of course, be ready to co-operate.

Sir N. STEWART SANDEMAN

Do I understand that the right hon. Gentleman has made some arrangement with the banks, by which something might be done in reference to finance?

Mr. THOMAS

Yes, and those engaged in industry not only know it, but are availing themselves of it daily. The hon. Member, however, will quite understand that it would not be proper for me, across the Floor of the House, to name any particular mill or factory.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

In view of the fact that this question asks for assistance to employers, will the right hon. Gentleman have due regard to the fact that employés are going to be put out of work as a result of the operation of automatic looms—that they are asking in Lancashire that the weavers should operate eight looms, as against four before this was introduced?