§ 1. Mr. Burkeasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of a shortage of labour in certain sections of the cotton industry and what proposals he has for dealing with the matter?
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Bevin)In the early part of this year there was a shortage of labour in the spinning section of the cotton textile industry. Special steps were taken to increase the labour force, and as a result about 5,000 persons have been placed in or returned to the industry during the past six months. The labour requirements of the industry are at present under review in connection with the existing and prospective demands on the industry for production.
§ Mr. BurkeHas my right hon. Friend any proposals for making the cotton industry more attractive to possible entrants or re-entrants? Is he aware of the statement made the other day by the Minister of Fuel and Power that he had taken action to make miners' wages more comparable with those in other industries? Can my right hon. Friend do something similar for the cotton industry?