46. Dr. DAVIESasked the Prime Minister if he can make any statement about any proposed action with reference to the cotton report.
§ The PRIME MINISTERAs I have already stated, I believe that there is general recognition in Lancashire of the need for urgent action on the cotton report. Following upon the meeting at Manchester on 4th July, when my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary met the representatives of the industry, copies of the report and of his speech have been circulated to each section in the industry. Since that date the various sections have been holding meetings and actively considering the report in its application to their particular problems. A further meeting of the Joint Committee of Cotton Trade Organisations was held at Manchester yesterday. The decisions taken at this meeting will definitely further the application of those recommendations in the report which particularly affect the joint committee. I would add that my right hon. Friend is, and will continue to be, in close touch with the industry regarding these and any other developments arising out of the report.
Dr. DAVIESMay I take it that the attitude of the Prime Minister and the Government is simply one of sympathetic observation, and letting Lancashire get on with this matter itself?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, my hon. Friend must not stop there. This observation is undoubtedly a sort of pressure.