HC Deb 19 March 1935 vol 299 cc982-3
10. Mr. HAMMERSLEY

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he is taking in reference to the resolution of the Cotton Redundancy Committee requesting him to prepare a Bill to give effect to the proposals already approved by the industry for dealing with surplus cotton-spinning spindles?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

In response to the resolution, the proposals have been discussed on my behalf with the committee in Manchester. The terms of a draft Bill are now under discussion, and I hope that the Bill will be introduced at an early date.

Mr. HAMMERSLEY

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied, from the information before him, that an adequate number of surplus spindles has been proposed to the board to justify the bringing in of legislation; and, secondly, when the legislation is brought forward, will it include terms of Government assistance more substantial than a mere guarantee?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I think my hon. Friend had better wait for details until the Bill is introduced. As to the first part of his question, I am satisfied that there is now a sufficient volume of opinion behind this proposal to make it worth while to bring in legislation.