HC Deb 13 March 1930 vol 236 cc1481-2
50. Mr. HACKING

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the growing depression in the cotton industry, he will announce at an early date the Government's proposals for dealing with this industry?

Mr. P. SNOWDEN

My right hon. Friend is not in a position at present to add anything to the previous answers on this subject.

Mr. HACKING

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the general feeling in Lancashire is that the Government are not taking this inquiry quite seriously, especially in view of the fact that there have already been three different chairmen of this Committee since it was set up, two of whom know nothing about the cotton industry?

Mr. SNOWDEN

If there be any such impression in Lancashire, it has no foundation at all. The Government are very earnest in this matter and, as I said a few days ago in reply to a question, the inquiries of the Committee are being pressed forward with the utmost expedition.

Mr. HACKING

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many times the committee has met and how many hours it has sat?

Mr. HAMMERSLEY

Has the evidence yet been finished?

Forward to