§ 6. Mr. Burkeasked the Minister of Labour what steps are being taken to meet the shortage of labour in the spinning and weaving sections of the cotton industry?
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Assheton)My right hon. Friend is not aware of a shortage of workers in the weaving section of the cotton industry. As regards the spinning section, to which the Essential Work (General Provisions) Order, 1941, has been applied, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on Thursday last to the hon. Member for Royton (Mr. Sutcliffe).
§ Mr. AsshetonThat matter is now under consideration.
§ 7. Mr. Burkeasked the Minister of Labour how many women were registering as unemployed at the Burnley Employment Exchange on 1st November, or nearest convenient date; and how many of these were from the cotton industry?
§ Mr. AsshetonI am communicating with my hon. Friend.
§ 13. Mr. Hamilton Kerrasked the Minister of Labour what is the cause for the delay in scheduling the doubling section of the cotton industry; and whether he will expedite the matter?
§ Mr. AsshetonI am not aware of any delay in this matter. Up to 22nd November, out of 250 undertakings in the doubling section of the cotton industry 864 which had been recommended for scheduling, 238 had been scheduled. If, however, my hon. Friend will give me particulars of any case he has in mind, I will make inquiry.