§ Major NALLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a number of disabled men are being trained in watch-case making in Manchester with promising results, and that a considerable industry can be developed provided cheap foreign competition is prevented; and whether he will protect this trade by regulations similar to those recently applied to the dye trade?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour that, so far as can be ascertained, no training in watch-case making is now being given in Manchester, though a proposal to start a class is under consideration. The industry is considered to be suitable for the employment of disabled men, but it has not, as yet, been largely developed in this country, inconsequence of the demand having been mainly supplied by imports from Switzerland and America. As regards the second part of the question this matter will be borne in mind in connection with other matters of a similar character which are receiving careful attention.