§ 28. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Presirent of the Board of Trade whether he can make a statement as to the present position in relation to the concentration of the Lancashire textile industry.
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Lyttelton)For the spinning and weaving sections of the industry, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made on 29th April in reply to a similar Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Royton (Mr. Sutcliffe). I have discussed the concentration of the finishing sections with representatives of employers and operatives of those sections, and plans are now being prepared. Doublers and waste cotton spinners and manufacturers who wish to put forward voluntary schemes for the concentration of production should communicate with the Cotton Control, as soon as possible, and in any event not later than 15th June.
§ Mr. DaviesHow far have these concentration negotiations proceeded by way of discussion?
§ Mr. LytteltonThe concentration arrangements are still under discussion. I think I can promise that the discussions will very shortly be concluded.