§ 64. Mr. McSHANEasked the Minister of Labour whether her attention has been called to the recent decisions of the representatives of cotton operatives in regard to the rationalisation of that industry, and in particular to their demand that all operatives displaced by that policy should receive compensation; and whether she proposes to take any action in this direction?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Lawson)No, Sir. So far as I aim aware, the conclusions reached by the operatives' representatives have not been officially announced.
§ Mr. McSHANEIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that a week ago the whole of their demands were publicly broadcast, and one of those demands was that if rationalisation took place, they should be compensated if they were displaced, and, this being a matter of public interest, should not they be entitled to consideration?
§ Mr. LAWSONI am aware that this matter was published in the Press, but it has not yet been officially announced by the operatives' organisation concerned; consequently, we have no official information.
§ Mr. HERBERT GIBSONHas anything been done for the extremely hard hit cotton areas in the country?
§ Mr. LAWSONThat is another matter altogether.