§ 15. Mr. H. G. WILLIAMSasked the President of the Board of Trade how many spindles have been purchased by the Cotton Spindles Board; whether he can furnish an estimate of the number of 668 spindles not purchased; and what proportion of these are being worked full time, part time, and are idle, respectively?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe purchasing powers of the Spindles Board only came into operation on 14th September last, and no useful indication would be given of the working of the scheme by furnishing, after such a short lapse of time, the number of spindles of which the purchase has already been completed. In reply to the last part of the question, I understand that returns showing the extent to which spinning machinery was operated in the six months ending 14th September are at present being analysed and tabulated, and I hope that it will be found possible to publish the information at an early date.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSWill my right hon. Friend give me notice when this information is ready, so that I can put down a question?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANPerhaps my hon. Friend will communicate with me later on the subject.