§ 12. Mr. BAILEY (for Mr. MACQUISTEN)asked the Minister of Labour how many operatives in the cotton spinning industry will be permanently displaced by the elimination of 10 million spindles as proposed under the Cotton Spinning Industry Bill; and whether he proposes to take any steps to provide for their alternative employment or compensation?
§ Mr. E. BROWNIt is a matter of some difficulty to estimate the precise effect on employment of the proposals contained in the Cotton Spinning Industry Bill. The object of the scheme is to improve the economic position of the industry, and the eventual effect on employment should therefore be beneficial. As regards the latter part of the question, I may mention that my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has been in communication with representatives of the operatives concerned.
§ Mr. BAILEYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that even supporters of the Bill admit that there must be some temporary displacement of labour, and before he introduces the Bill will he agree to compensation being paid to the persons displaced?