§ 85. Mr. Kennedyasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the serious diminution in the output of British cotton-spinning mills disclosed in the second annual Report of the Spindles Board, showing widespread closing of redundant mills; and what steps are being taken to deal with the consequent unemployment and loss of trade?
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Oliver Stanley)I am aware of the position disclosed by this report, though I am glad to say that over the cotton industry as a whole there has been recently a decline in unemployment in which the spinning section has shared. The Government are keeping the interests of the industry continually in mind in connection with negotiations for trade agreements and, as was stated in the Speech from the Throne, they are now considering proposals for the reorganisation of the industry.