§ 22. Mr. REMERasked the President of the Board of Trade how many interviews have taken place between himself, the Home Secretary, and the representatives of the Lancashire cotton industry; if any progress has been made in these negotiations; and which portions of the cotton report have been put into operation or will be put into operation in the near future?
§ Mr. W. R. SMITHMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Home Affairs has attended three conferences in Manchester with representatives of the cotton industry, and my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade was present at two of these. In addition, there have been several meetings in London, and many informal discussions between the Chief Industrial Adviser and representatives of the different sections of the trade. From the beginning of the conferences last year the desire to meet representatives of the interested organisations at any time convenient to them was made plain. As was explained in answer to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Chorley (Mr. Hacking) on the 2nd June, the Joint Committee of Cotton Trade Organisations is now engaged on a close investigation of all sections of the industry with a view to the formulation of plans dealing with the adjustment of capacity and with all other measures for the reduction of costs which can be undertaken or encouraged by joint action.
§ Mr. REMERIs it not a fact that these negotiations started nearly two years ago, and that nothing whatever has been done by the present Government to help the cotton industry?
§ Mr. SMITHIt may be that the hon. Member has correctly stated the time; I cannot say offhand. At the same time, it should be observed that a great deal of the delay is not the fault of the Government.
§ Mr. SMITHI stated that the questions are under the consideration of a joint organisation of the industry.
§ Mr. SANDHAMIs the President of the Board of Trade aware that this industry is slowly but surely bleeding to death?