HC Deb 24 February 1949 vol 461 cc2040-1
Mr. Fairhurst

In reference to the Business for next week, may I ask the Leader of the House whether, in view of the increasing uncertainty in the Lancashire cotton industry about foreign competition, especially from one country in the East, he will give the House a chance to discuss the matter more fully than has been possible in the past.

Mr. Morrison

That might come up in the course of the year on some item or other, or it may possibly be a subject for a Supply Day. I do not see that I could give a special day for it.

Mr. Fairhurst

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the fact that in Lancashire we are gravely disturbed about what is happening now—not what may happen in the course of the year?

Mr. Walter Fletcher

Will the Leader of the House remember that, when an attempt was made to raise the serious situation arising in Malaya which would affect the cotton industry of Lancashire, he gave the same putting-off answer, and that this is a question which should have early attention from the House?

Mr. Morrison

No doubt the hon. Gentleman will make representations in the right quarter with a view to a Supply Day being devoted to it.