TEXTILE INDUSTRY (COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY).

HC Deb 08 October 1924 vol 177 cc553-4W

Mr. W. GREENWOOD

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that a representative of the Operative Cotton Spinners' Association sits on the Government Trade Inquiry Committee, but that the Federation of Master Cotton Spinners' Associations is not represented; and will he take steps to make good the omission?

Mr. WEBB

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension. As I have stated previously, the Committee has not been constituted on a representative basis since such a course would have resulted in an unduly large membership; but the members were invited to serve in their individual capacities. I may add that no fewer than four members out of the total of 19 are closely connected with the textile industry in its various branches; and that among them is the President of the Cotton Spinners' and Manufacturers' Association. The Government are not prepared to enlarge the membership of the Committee.