§ 52. Mr. HAMMERSLEYasked the President of the Board of Trade how much capital of cotton-spinning companies liquidated by the official receiver since 1926 has been called up; and what proportion of the calls made has been realised?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Hore-Belisha)I regret that the information desired is not available. As regards the second part of the question I would point out that in many cases the payment of calls is spread over a period of years which is not yet completed.
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYI understood the Parliamentary Secretary to say that the information was not available. Would it not be desirable, in view of the fact that the President of the Board of Trade has announced that in certain circumstances he is going to introduce legislation, that the right hon. Gentleman should make himself fully acquainted with the financial position of the industry?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHANot only is that eminently desirable, but my right hon. Friend is fully acquainted with that matter. I informed the hon. Member that the payment of calls is spread over a period of years, which is not yet completed, and therefore I could not give him an answer.
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYI understood that the hon. Gentleman's reply was to both my questions.
§ 53. Mr. HAMMERSLEYasked the President of the Board of Trade how many bankruptcies have occurred in the cotton trade since 1926?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThe numbers of bankruptcies in the cotton trade for the years 1927 to 1931, respectively, were 9, 8, 25, 26 and 26.