§ Mr. HACKING (by Private Notice)asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the recent statement by the Home Secretary that the Cabinet is prepared to intervene in the dispute in the cotton industry, he will tell the House what 614 action the Government proposes to take to effect an early settlement
§ The PRIME MINISTERI understand that what the Home Secretary said was that, if a favourable opportunity presented itself, he was sure his colleagues of the Cabinet would readily avail themselves of it, and, after the result of the ballot was known, he made it clear that the Government cannot detach its mind from the situation thus produced. It will be plain to everyone that the present, situation is one of great difficulty, but I can assure the House that there will be no delay in taking any action that seems calculated to lead to a settlement.
§ Mr. HACKINGIn view of the fact of the wording of the last ballot paper having been misunderstood by a very large number of the operatives, will the right hon. Gentleman do his utmost to press the Weavers Amalgamation to issue a fresh ballot paper and take a fresh vote at the earliest possible moment?
§ The PRIME MINISTERMay I ask the right hon. Member to leave that matter to us, unless he wishes so destroy completely any chance of successful intervention?
§ Mr. HACKINGMay I ask if it is not the fact that there was grave misunderstanding in connection with the wording of the ballot paper?