§ 46. Mr. Tomlinsonasked the Prime Minister whether he has given consideration to the representations made to him by the deputation of representatives of the cotton trade unions from Lancashire on 24th January; and whether he is in a position to make a statement with regard to the specific requests made to him for assisting the cotton trade?
§ The Prime MinisterI was glad to have the opportunity of meeting the deputation, and of assuring them that His Majesty's Government are fully alive to the difficulties of the industry and will continue to take all appropriate steps within their power to assist it. A Command Paper has now been issued containing the clauses of a Bill based on the proposals of the Joint Committee of Cotton Trade Organisations for the reorganisation of the industry, and the firms in the producing sections of the industry have been asked by the Board of Trade to say whether they are in favour of the introduction of legislation.
I cannot, within the limits of a Parliamentary answer, add to the replies which I gave to the deputation on their other requests, except to say, in regard to the suggestion that the producing as well as the merchanting side of the trade should be consulted in connection with trade negotiations with other countries, 1716 that it is already the practice of the Board of Trade in such cases to consult the Joint Committee of Cotton Trade Organisations as well as the interested Chambers of Commerce.
§ Mr. TomlinsonHas the Prime Minister given consideration to the request that was made for financial assistance to the exporting section of the industry?
§ The Prime MinisterI am afraid that that is another question.