HC Deb 04 June 1946 vol 423 cc1798-9
36. Mr. Spence

asked the Minister of Labour the number of operatives employed in the spinning industry in April, 1945 and 1946, respectively.

Mr. Ness Edwards

It is estimated that the number of insured persons together with women in part-time employment, two of whom are counted as one unit, in employment in the cotton spinning industry was 113,600 at mid-1945 and 123,100 at March, 1946. These are the nearest dates for which information is available. The figures include administrative and clerical workers as well as operatives, for whom separate statistics are not available. Particulars are not available as to the numbers employed in the spinning sections of other textile industries

Mr. Spence

Is the Minister satisfied with this very small rise, which is only some 7 or 8 per cent., having regard to the fact that most of our coupon difficulties in clothing are due to the spining bottleneck; and what steps is he taking?

Mr. Edwards

I should have thought that the steps which are being taken were well known to the House in view of the recent report.

Captain MacLeod

Owing to the very unsatisfactory state of the woollen spinning industry, surely the Minister ought to know the figures of that industry if he is looking seriously into it?

Mr. Edwards

I was asked the figures for spinning only.