HC Deb 08 February 1944 vol 396 cc1622-3
44. Mr. Hammersley

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has now had time to consider the report of the Cotton Board on the post-war organisation of the cotton trade; and can he make a statement.

Mr. Dalton

Yes, Sir. I have been considering this report with close attention, and have asked representatives of the Cotton Board Committee to come and discuss it with me next week.

Mr. Hammersley

In view of the broad issues which are raised by this report, would it not be desirable to have a Debate in the House before the Government come to any formal decision?

Mr. Dalton

Yes, Sir, but not before I talk to the Cotton Board Committee.

66. Mr. Hammersley

asked the President of the Board of Trade why, in the case of a cotton-spinning company, of which he has been informed, permission to fit aspirator motions on two machines with a view to the improvement of working conditions, the installation of which has been recommended by the factory inspector, and the cost of which is less than £100, has been refused by his Department.

Mr. Dalton

In the case of the firm, to which I presume my hon. Friend refers, it was found that several combing machines already fitted with aspirator motions were standing idle from lack of operatives. In view of this, and of the many demands by others firms for this type of equipment for running machines, it would clearly have been wrong to issue further licences to this firm at present, and it was unnecessary to consult the factory inspector.

Mr. Hammersley

Does not that really indicate that one of the main reasons why this much desired improvement of working conditions could not be introduced is because of my right hon. Friend's Department?

Mr. Dalton

No, Sir. This firm is one of which my hon. Friend is chairman. I believe he made application for these devices. I sent one of my officers to his mill and I found that a number of machines already fitted with the device were standing idle. In those circumstances, I judged it more necessary to supply some other firms than to supply his firm.

Mr. Hammersley

Are not the facts that the reason why these machines were standing idle was because the workpeople could not work them because of the conditions; and is the right hon. Gentleman not badly informed on the matter because of his bureaucratic service?

Mr. Dalton

No, Sir. I am extremely well informed.

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