Sir N. GRIFFITHSasked the Minister of National Service whether he is aware that, owing to the restrictions on the consumption of cotton, a large number of cotton operatives are row out of work; and whether he is taking steps for their employment on work of national importance?
§ Sir A. GEDDESThe whole question of the unemployment in Lancashire,2252W due to the restrictions of the import of raw cotton, has been under the consideration of the various Departments concerned. Representatives of these Departments have visited Lancashire with a view to making arrangements for the manufacture of aeroplanes and aeroplane parts in some of the cotton factories, in order to employ on the spot the local labour thrown out of work and to avoid the necessity for the construction of other factories for this purpose. The matter is not finally settled, but I am happy to be able to say that, in the opinion of those qualified to speak, the proposal would appear to be a practicable one. Every effort will be made to meet the situation in this way or on parallel lines.