§ 5. Mr. R. DAVIESasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that 35 women operatives have recently been thrown out of work in one textile mill in the township of Westhoughton consequent upon the adoption of the six-looms-per-weaver system; and whether, in view of the ease whereby industry can throw liabilities upon the unemployment insurance and public funds, he will state the Government's policy towards the consequences of this displacement of labour by machinery?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONI understand that a certain amount of labour has been displaced following upon the introduction of the six-looms-per-weaver system. One of the objects of this system was to improve the competitive position of the industry which as the hon. Member is aware, has been seriously affected by the lower prices of foreign manufacturers. The matters raised in the last part of the question cannot be satisfactorily dealt with by way of question and answer, but the hon. Member will no doubt have an early opportunity of raising the point in Debate.
§ Mr. DAVIESIn view of the fact that there are several thousand textile mills in Lancashire, cannot the right hon. Gentleman see that there must be an increasing number of unemployed very soon if 35 women in one textile mill are thrown out of work by the adoption of this new system; and have not the Government any policy at all to meet a situation of this kind?
Viscountess ASTORWill the right hon. Gentleman remember that nearly one out of two women are wage-earners, and that the question of unemployment affects them seriously; and will he bear in mind that the late Government did really nothing for unemployed women, and that we expect the National Government to do something?
§ Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMSIs it not a fact that if we do not increase the efficiency of the cotton industry all the workers will lose their employment?