35. Air-Commodore Harveyasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the shortage of labour in the cotton industry at Bollington, near Macclesfield, where mills are exporting a considerable amount of their output, is largely due to lack of housing; and what special steps he is 1236 taking to ensure the building of more houses in this area to provide accommodation for employees in the mills.
§ Mr. BevanThe answer to the first part of the Question is "No, Sir"; the second part does not therefore arise.
Air-Commodore HarveyIs the Minister aware that he does not know what he is talking about? If he is concerned about this country's future, and makes inquiries, he will find that Bollington makes the finest yarn in this country and is earning a considerable number of dollars. Is he further aware that workers have to travel from Stoke-on-Trent, 25 miles each way, to their jobs? Will he look into it and do something about it?
§ Mr. BevanI have looked into it and I have all the information before me. The greatest need is for employment in respect of 16 boys, 51 women, 37 girls and a much smaller number of men. The housing shortage is not the primary cause of the labour shortage.