§ 47. Mr. BECKETTasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the further developments in the Lancashire cotton dispute, he is now prepared to give time for the souse to discuss this question and the Government's policy with regard to it?
§ 49. Mr. SANDHAMasked the Prime Minister whether he has received any protests against the negotiations which he inaugurated in connection with the Lancashire cotton textile lock-out; and whether he proposes to ascertain the opinions of the majority of the cotton operatives before proceeding further?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAs I stated on 5th February, in reply to a supplementary question arising from the statement on Business, I should only be too glad to provide time for anything that this House can do to advance the interests of peace in the cotton industry; but I am satisfied that a discussion at the present time such as my hon. Friend the Member for Peckham suggests would worsen the position instead of helping it. The talks which I had in the week before last took place with the duly appointed representatives of both sides and I have not received protests but thanks.
§ Mr. BECKETTHas the right hon. Gentleman had his attention drawn to the report of the official conference held in Lancashire on Saturday at which the negotiations started by the Government were repudiated by an overwhelming majority?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI saw those reports, but to use the word "repudiated" is quite wrong. They disagreed, and there the situation remains for the moment, but I hope only for the moment.
§ Sir W. BRASSWill the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that he will make every endeavour to reconcile the two sides?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI shall really do everything I personally can to bring peace into this industry.
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYIn view of the new situation, does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that information is necessary and that early intervention is desirable as, the longer the delay, the more likely are the two sides to drift apart?
§ The PRIME MINISTERTo use the word "intervention" is very easy, but intervention for the sake of intervention may do more harm than good. Any intervention that will give any hope of a settlement will be taken by me as soon as opportunity occurs.
§ Mr. STEPHENIn view of the fact that the workers have definitely decided not to negotiate, will the Government take steps to implement the report of their own inquiry?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe report of our inquiry has very little to do with the merits nr demerits of this dispute. It raises another question altogether.
§ 79. Mr. KINLEYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the proposed loom changes to enforce which the operatives in the cotton textile industry of Lancashire are now locked out will seriously affect the workers involved; and whether he proposes to take any, and, if so, what action, legislative or other, to safeguard the interests of the workers and to assure proper maintenance for them and their dependants?
§ Mr. LAWSONThere is nothing I can add to the reply given earlier to-day by the Prime Minister on this subject.
§ Mr. KINLEYIs my hon. Friend aware that the reply of the Prime Minister does not touch any of the points raised in the question? May I at the same time, Mr. Speaker, draw your attention to the fact that this question was first addressed to the Prime Minister, then transferred to the President of the Board of Trade, and now it is answered by the Ministry of Labour?
§ Mr. LAWSONThe last thing I desire to do is to appear to avoid answering any question, but when I looked at the question to the Prime Minister, I found that, although there might be a slight variation, the question, in principle, is the same in the one as in the other.
§ Mr. SANDHAMIs there not an emergency in the cotton industry at the moment, and ought not the Cabinet to move in this matter at once?
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYIs it not the case that the interests of the workers would be best safeguarded if they agreed to the scientific experiment which has been advocated?
§ Mr. KINLEYMay I Press for an answer to my question?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member's question has been answered.
§ Mr. KINLEYI submit that there has been no answer to my question, whether, in view of the fact that this matter involves large numbers of people being thrown out of employment, the Government purposes to make any provision for them?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat question has been answered.