§ 11. Sir KINGSLEY WOODasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state what progress has been made with the work of promoting the reorganisation of industries that require treatment with a view to mitigating unemployment?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMImportant proposals are under discussion in various trades, but the right hon. Gentleman will appreciate that to disclose the nature of these proposals would prejudice the position of the numerous interests concerned and might bring the negotiations to a standstill.
§ Sir K. WOODWill the right hon. Gentleman kindly answer the question upon the Paper? I am not asking what proposals have been made, but what progress is being made, and will the right hon. Gentleman kindly reply?
§ Mr. GRAHAMI have replied to the question, but, if I went into details regarding the progress of specific schemes which have been under review, the inevitable result would be, in many cases, to stop the whole movement towards the end which we have in view.
§ Sir K. WOODCan the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be able to give a. precise and definite answer.
§ Mr. GRAHAMIt is difficult to name a date, but, if these proposals are adopted, in certain industries, I hope to be able to tell the House something about them.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs it not the case that the Government here, as far as unemployment is concerned, are up against a world dazzled by inventions to eliminate space and time, and that every market of the world is glutted with all the necessaries of life? [Interruption.] I want an answer from the Minister.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe question was addressed to the President of the Board of Trade. I do not see why the hon. Member should give a reply.