HC Deb 26 November 1930 vol 245 cc1287-8
72. Mr. DOUGLAS HACKING

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has anything to report to the House in connection with the most recent conference in Manchester between representatives of the Government and representative sections of the cotton trade?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. William Graham)

My right hon. Friend, the Home Secretary, and I continued our discussion with representatives of the Federation of Master Cotton Spinners' Associations of questions arising out of the report of the Committee on the cotton industry. The questions discussed were the value of the formation of larger units as an aid to the restoration of the spinning section; certain technical matters such as the use of Indian cotton, and the effect of external factors on the prosperity of the industry. We also received a deputation representing the sub-committees of the American and Egyptian Spinners' Con- ventions by which it is proposed to regulate the production and price of yarn. The promoters of the American scheme asked that statutory powers should be obtained to secure the universal adoption of the scheme. My right hon. Friend and I promised to give most careful consideration to these proposals, but, as they affect every section of the industry, it will be necessary to obtain the views of others who may be interested before forming any opinion upon them. We hope to continue our discussions with representatives of the manufacturers at an early date.

Mr. HACKING

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what was the meaning of the expression used by his right hon. Friend when he used these words: "That there are supplementary lines of financial assistance yet to be devised by the Government"?

Mr. GRAHAM

I think there must be a misconception on that point. There was much discussion of financial assistance, and, of course, it has always been made perfectly clear there can be no question of Government contribution.

Mr. BROOKE

Are the trade unions in the cotton industry being consulted upon this question of reorganisation?

Mr. GRAHAM

Oh, certainly. They have their part in the Joint Committee, and the Home Secretary and I saw them separately during our former visit, and will see them again on subsequent visits.

Sir NAIRNE STEWART SANDEMAN

Has the right hon. Gentleman changed his mind, and does he think the Government can do something to help the cotton industry?

Mr. GRAHAM

No, Sir, there has been no change of mind at all. We are doing everything in our power by discussion now with the individual sections to promote the necessary reorganisation. That has been our policy all along since the report of the committee was published.