§ 68. Mr. DOUGLAS HACKINGasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has anything to report regarding the reorganisation of the cotton industry; and whether the information on production and potential capacity in the various sections of the industry has been forthcoming on a voluntary basis?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. William Graham)I understand that there has been a satisfactory response on the part of the firms in the industry to the request of the Joint Committee of Cotton Trade Organisations for information as to production and capacity, and that a report prepared by the Executive of the Committee on the basis of the information received is being considered by a full meeting of the Committee to-day.
§ Mr. HACKINGDoes the right hon. Gentleman still hold the view that the inquiries of the Government will have served any useful purpose?
§ Mr. GRAHAMOh, yes. We have to take this matter in stages. I wish they were faster, but we are making progress.
§ Mr. HACKINGIs it not a fact that the industry itself is carrying out the reorganisation of the industry, and not the Government?
§ Mr. GRAHAMWe undertook the investigations and we are securing the cooperation of both sides of the industry in this process.
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYCould the President say whether he has any plan as to what is going to take place when the inquiry is completed and the information has been obtained?
§ Mr. GRAHAMOh, yes. There are many proposals in view, but I could not enlarge upon them in reply to a supplementary question.
§ Sir K. WOODWill they be as successful as all the other efforts of the right hon. Gentleman?
§ Mr. GRAHAMThe hon. Member on that point has really no case. I have challenged debate but could not get it.