§ 3. Mr. LEACHasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the depression prevailing in the wool textile industry and of the fact that the wages of many operatives are being further reduced, he will consider the advisability of taking steps to compel employers to put into operation the changes in the organisation of the industry which have been recommended by two commissions of inquiry in 1925 and 1929?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMNeither of the Committees to which I assume that my hon. Friend refers made recommendations for the reorganisation of the wool textile industry: indeed the Second Committee stated in their report (Cmd. 3355 of 1929) that any movement to this end must, to have the best chance of success, be a spontaneous movement from within.
§ Mr. LEACHIn view of the fact that the employés have presented a case at these inquiries in favour of measures for rationalising the industry, will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the desirability of legislative action in this matter?
§ Mr. GRAHAMI have already indicated to the House that I cannot 2083 promise legislation, and, in reply to a question the other day, I pointed out that the reorganisation in the woollen industry was part of the duties covered by the Chief Industrial Adviser's Department.
§ Mr. HANNONDid not the Commission of 1929 recommend a Safeguarding Duty for this industry?
§ Mr. GRAHAMNo.
§ Mr. GRANVILLE GIBSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that not only the employers, but the operatives as well, realise that what is now required to prevent a reduction of wages is protection for the industry?