§ Mr. LOWTHasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that there are indications of very serious trouble in the cotton industry; that the federation of master cotton spinners have intimated that they propose to close all spinning mills at the end of seven days from the present date; and what steps he proposes to take to avert such a calamity?
§ Mr. SHAWI am aware of the situation to which my hon. Friend refers. I am sure that the parties fully realise the desirability of avoiding a stoppage which would further aggravate the present difficult unemployment position, and I am still hopeful that a settlement will be reached by the parties themselves. I do not think that it is desirable that I should say more at the present time.