HC Deb 14 December 1933 vol 284 cc514-5
6. Mr. G. MACDONALD

asked the Minister of Labour if (he will state the average weekly wage in the cotton industry in 1920 and in 1932, respectively?

Sir H. BETTERTON

I regret that information is not available as to the weekly earnings of operatives in the cotton industry in 1920 and 1932. Information as to average weekly earnings in certain weeks in 1924, 1928 and 1931 are contained in the "Ministry of Labour Gazette" for June, 1926, October, 1929, and January, 1933, copies of which are in the Library.

80. Mr. CHORLTON

The LORD PRESIDENT of the COUNCIL (Mr. Baldwin)

Matters affecting research into the processes employed in the cotton industry are dealt with by the British Cotton Industry Research Association which receives grant aid from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. The attention of the authorities of that Research Association is being directed to the hon. Member's question. But the Association is already well aware of the importance of the question of promoting the greater use of Indian cotton in this country and is in close touch with the Committee set up in Lancashire to deal with this matter. The Chairman of the Association is a member of that Committee.