§ 9. Mr. Haleasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a further recession has taken place in employment in cotton spinning and doubling of over 10 per cent. since December, 1959, and that estimates of short-time working show local figures approaching 10 per cent.; and what steps he proposes to take to increase employment.
§ Mr. ErrollI am aware that employment in cotton spinning and doubling has declined since December, 1959, and that short-time working in these sections of the cotton industry has recently increased, but there is no shortage of employment in the cotton area as a whole.
§ Mr. HaleWhile we are all glad that there is no shortage of employment in the cotton area—and that is the one thing that saves us—may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that short-time workers are getting other jobs, and are never coming back? They have had enough. They have been shifted backwards and forwards with these crises and increases and diminutions, and they are never coming back. How will we maintain skilled employment in the textile industry unless some assurance, some certainty is given, and unless the market itself knows whether we are Common-marketing or Common-wealthing, or what we are to do in the future? How will they know?
§ Mr. ErrollI would refer the hon. Gentleman to my previous supplementary answer.