HC Deb 20 June 1944 vol 401 cc3-5
2 and 5. Captain Prescott

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he is in a position to make a statement concerning the Report of the Cotton Board Committee concerning post-war problems of the industry;

(2) whether he is aware that the cotton textile industry, by virtue of insecurity of employment in the past, lack of facilities in many mills, low earnings in some adult occupations and lack of opportunity for promotion within the industry, has failed in the past to attract young entrants; and what steps he is taking, if necessary in consultation with other Government Departments, to remedy these matters.

Mr. Dalton

Since the publication of this Report, I have been in consultation with the Chairman of the Cotton Board, the Cotton Board Committee, the trade unions in the cotton industry and with other persons concerned with this industry. I am giving careful consideration to the various proposals which have been made. On juvenile recruitment, the Cotton Board has done valuable work, and the rate of entry of juveniles into the industry is now I am glad to say increasing. On this subject I am in touch with my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Labour.

Captain Prescott

While appreciating the complexity of these matters, may I ask that my right hon. Friend will bear in mind the very considerable interest which Lancashire and the cotton industry have in the matter?

Mr. Dalton

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Hammersley

Is my right hon. Friend bearing in mind that the deplorable facts set out in Question 5 are due in the main to insecurity of imports, due to the lower price of labour? May I ask what action he is taking, in conjunction with the United States, to develop export markets in the United States in the future?

Mr. Dalton

I do not think that my hon. Friend's diagnosis is quite correct; the trouble is due to certain deeper causes, but I am studying the whole matter very closely.

Captain Prescott

While not wishing to press my right hon. Friend unduly, may I ask whether he will bear in mind that a statement from him will be considerably relevant to the question of full employ- ment? Can he give any indication when he will be in a position to inform the House further in this matter?

Mr. Dalton

I will do so as soon as I reasonably can.