§ 74. Sir John Haslamasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the serious condition of the Lancashire cotton industry; and does he propose to introduce the Cotton Industry Enabling Bill, urgently desired by every section of the industry, or has he any alternative scheme to prevent the further decline of Britain's leading export industry?
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Oliver Stanley)The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I can add nothing at present to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Bury (Mr. Chorlton) on 22nd March.
§ Mr. FlemingHas my right hon. Friend received any objections at all to the Enabling Bill?
§ Mr. StanleyYes, I have had letters, and if the hon. Member will refer to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Bury (Mr. Chorlton) he will see that there have been objections by textile industries other than the cotton industry, and it is exactly that difficulty which I am trying to assist in solving.
§ Mr. MaxtonBefore bringing forward any legislation, will the right hon. Gentleman see that the Scottish branch of the cotton industry has consideration?
§ Mr. StanleyYes, Sir. I am in communication with the Scottish branch, and I understand that the promoters of the Lancashire scheme have recently been up to Scotland and interviewed the Scottish branch.