§ 9. Mr. Burkeasked the President of the Board of Trade the Government's proposals, if any, for dealing with the position of the Lancashire cotton trade?
Mr. StanleyCertain representations made by the Lancashire cotton industry are being considered, but I am not in a position to make any statement at present.
§ Mr. BurkeIn view of the fact that the industry is so sectionalised that it will take time to evolve a plan, can the Minister give us an assurance that consideration will be given?
Mr. StanleyThe hon. Member will realise that I have not been very long at this Department, but this question is one with which I was very long connected and one which I want to investigate personally. I can assure the hon. Member that I will take no more time over it than is absolutely necessary.
§ Mr. ClynesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that representatives acting for the cotton industry have repeatedly appealed to the Government in the last five or six years to take effective action, and does he not think that some earlier statements should be made to the House?
Mr. StanleyThe right hon. Gentleman will appreciate that I am referring to a deputation which visited my predecessor some weeks ago and laid some definite considerations before him.
§ Mr. ClynesWas not that deputation one of a number which recently approached the Government, in addition to the memorial which was sent to the Board of Trade?
Mr. StanleyThe particular deputation and the composition of it were rather unusual, in that it represented more fully all the cotton interests of Lancashire.