HC Deb 20 March 1952 vol 497 c2541
32. Mr. A. C. Manuel

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to rectify the unemployment and short-time working now becoming evident in the furniture and textile industries in Scotland.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

We are aware that there is some unemployment and short-time working in these industries in Scotland and elsewhere, and are watching the position closely in consultation with the Ministry of Labour.

Mr. Manuel

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many people in my constituency and throughout Scotland are becoming increasingly anxious because of rising unemployment and especially short-time working? Is he further aware that if short-time working were calculated in man-hours, in my opinion it would show a further 15 per cent. increase in the unemployment figures for Scotland?

Mr. Thorneycroft

We are watching the position closely.

Mr. Arthur Holt

Is the President of the Board of Trade aware that in Bolton this week 10 cotton spinning mills are completely shut down, with no production, and that in these areas the mills largely make the finer quality of yarns which go into the better quality of fabrics that, under the D scheme, will now be taxed for the first time for some period? Will he therefore give serious consideration to cancelling the D scheme so far as it affects the textile industry?

Mr. Thorneycroft

This Question refers to furniture and textiles in Scotland.