HC Deb 27 May 1941 vol 371 c1682
4. Mr. Hammersley

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in respect to approved voluntary schemes for the concentration of production in the cotton trade, units included in such voluntary schemes will be exempt from payments to, or receipts from, any general pool of compensation that may subsequently be formed?

Mr. Lyttelton

Yes, Sir, provided that under the voluntary schemes a degree of concentration is achieved that corresponds to the general level of concentration required from other firms.

Mr. Hammersley

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this is the first authoritative statement in connection with this important matter, that there has been a good deal of confused and often contradictory advice, and that in the result, through the trade not having clear direction in the matter, there have been very few voluntary schemes submitted?

Mr. Lyttelton

No, Sir, I am not aware of that. I know there have not been many voluntary schemes in the trade, but I do not think that has been due to lack of information on this point.