§ 19 and 20. Mr. Hewlettasked the President of the Board of Trade (I) having regard to the importance of the Lancashire cotton textile industry, particularly from the standpoint of maintaining British export trade, will he consider giving preference to applications from firms in this industry for permission to rent or acquire such premises as are of suitable shape and construction and situated where experienced personnel is readily available;
(2) whether any of the Government buildings in Lancashire, which are likely to become available for industrial purposes after the war, are suitable to the technical requirements of firms in the cotton spinning and cotton weaving industries who might wish to instal the most up-to-date equipment.
§ Mr. DaltonI am most anxious that the fine modern factories built in Lancashire in connection with the war effort, which become surplus to Government requirements, shall be used for peace-time production. I should hope that some of these factories will be suitable for cotton spinning and weaving firms, who wish to instal modern equipment and to move from old and out-of-date premises. But, so far, out of the many applications received from industrialists for the post-war use of these Lancashire factories, very few have come from the cotton industry.
§ 29. Major Sir Edward Cadoganasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will circulate a White Paper on the results of the recent mission of Sir Frank Platt to the U.S.A.; and how soon will it be available to hon. Members.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Production (Mr. Garro Jones)In consultation with his colleagues concerned, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Production is arranging for publication of the report of the mission. The form in which the report will be published has still to be decided but it will be available very shortly.
§ Mr. MolsonIs the Minister of Production responsible for matters connected with the cotton industry? If not, why has the Parliamentary Secretary answered the Question?
§ Mr. Garro JonesThe cotton industry is the concern of more than one Minister, and the Minister of Production is responsible for co-ordination; and the answer deals with that.