HC Deb 28 June 1955 vol 543 cc195-6
53. Mr. H. Hynd

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that 800 cotton workers in Accrington and Church are now working short time; and what progress is being made with plans to help the cotton industry to overcome its present difficulties.

Mr. Low

I am aware that there is some short-time working in this area. My right hon. Friend has invited the Cotton Board to discuss with him some of the problems in the various export markets. He has taken every opportunity to urge on the United States Government the importance of ending the present uncertainty as to their future raw cotton policy.

Mr. Hynd

Is the Minister aware that it is not a question of the Government of the United States but a question of India more than anything else, and what is he doing about that?

Mr. Low

I am told that the short-time working in the hon. Gentleman's constituency is mainly in fine cottons and other cloths which are not affected by imports. I think if he will inquire into that he will find that the main trouble is, possibly, exports and doubt about the future of the price of raw cotton, which is very important.

Mr. Fletcher-Cooke

Could my right hon. Friend name any date by which the answer to this very important question of fixing by the Americans of the price of raw cotton is likely to be known?

Mr. Low

No. I wish I could, but I am afraid I am not able to do that.

Mr. S. Silverman

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that the supplementary answer which he gave to my hon. Friend just now, pointing out that the trouble in the Lancashire cotton industry is not exclusively due to the Indian question, reinforces the demand that is being repeatedly made by all sides of the industry and from all quarters of the House that the Government should as soon as possible consider what their long-term policy is to be?