HC Deb 01 February 1944 vol 396 cc1132-3
66. Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the report issued under the auspices of all sections of the Lancashire textile industry, a copy of which has been sent to him, in particular those suggestions affecting his Department and with what result?

Mr. Dalton

I am considering this report with close attention, but I am not at present able to make any statement on it.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Has my right hon. Friend also received a report prepared by the trade unions on this matter and, if so, will he give it the same attention?

Mr. Dalton

Yes, Sir, certainly. As my hon. Friend knows a number of trade union representatives were on the committee which made the report referred to by my hon. Friend the Member for West-houghton (Mr. Rhys Davies).

Mr. Davies

My right hon. Friend says he is considering the subject. When does he think that I might reasonably put down another Question to find out what is in his mind about the report, if anything is in his mind about it by then?

Mr. Dalton

I have a lot in my mind but I think it premature to make a statement until I have had a little more time to study the report. It has taken a long while to compile and it must be read with care, because it represents the work of many months by prominent people in the industry.

Mr. Hammersley

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate the desirability of giving the House an opportunity to debate this matter, because it introduces most important factors in relation to our export trade?

Mr. Dalton

That is a matter for the Leader of the House.