HC Deb 29 March 1955 vol 539 cc197-9
47. Mr. Thornton

asked the Prime Minister what proposals he has to make, consequent upon his meeting, on 24th March, with representatives of all sections of the cotton textile industry.

45. Mr. H. Hynd

asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement about his interview with representatives of the cotton textile industry on 24th March.

48. Mr. Drayson

asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement arising out of his meeting with leaders of the Lancashire cotton textile industry on Thursday, 24th March.

The Prime Minister

The deputation from the Cotton Board developed their case fully and fairly, and I am much obliged to them for doing so.

The situation facing the cotton industry, both from the fall in export demand and from the rise in certain imports, is one that demands and is receiving the earnest and urgent consideration of Her Majesty's Government. As the Cotton Board themselves recognise, weighty and substantial and far-reaching issues of policy are involved, and we shall announce our policy on these matters, as we hope, before we separate for Easter.

Mr. Thornton

While thanking the Prime Minister for his personal interest in this matter, may I say that I sincerely hope that he will deal with it as being serious and urgent? Is the Prime Minister aware that, since the preparation of the statements presented to him last Thursday, there has been a further serious deterioration in the position, and that employment exchanges in the cotton towns are recruiting additional staff to cope with the anticipated widespread extended stoppages over the Easter period? Does the Prime Minister not agree that under present trading conditions the cotton textile industry is having to carry a totally disproportionate burden of the policy in the interests of expanding Commonwealth trade?

The Prime Minister

All these matters are, and will be, taken into consideration.

Mr. H. Wilson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is now nearly nine months since the Cotton Board raised this question with the President of the Board of Trade as a matter of urgency, and that the situation has got worse since that time, even, as my hon. Friend said, since last Thursday's meeting? Will the Prime Minister ensure that any statement made before Easter is adequate to deal with the situation?

The Prime Minister

I hope that it will be made before Easter. As to its adequacy, everyone will judge for himself.

Mr. K. Thompson

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the reply which he has given about this very important question will give great satisfaction—[HON. MEMBERS: " Oh."]—to those of us who are in Lancashire—the knowledge that he has the matter in hand, in contrast with the conditions which prevailed in 1951, when hon. Members opposite were afraid of it?

The Prime Minister

The cotton question is a very intricate one. Personally, I have very keen feelings about it, from my early youth. I think it would be a pity if it were to become a purely party issue between both sides; because each can find fault with the other and each can bid against the other in promises which might not be in proper relation to the broad general interests of the country.

Mr. Rhodes

Is the Prime Minister aware that a great measure of confidence could be restored to Lancashire very quickly if the Government could find out from America what are their proposals for the disposal of their surplus stocks of cotton; and that if he would bend his mind to that problem and intervene personally, or send the President of the Board of Trade, as a matter of urgency, during the next few days, he would do an inestimable service to Lancashire?

The Prime Minister

Constructive suggestions of that character will certainly be borne in mind by the Government.