§ Mr. Lees-Jonesasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that, since the undertaking given in October last to give prompt and sympathetic consideration to proposals for the reorganisation of the Lancashire cotton industry, unemployment in the cotton industry has increased from 47,500 to 99,800; and whether His Majesty's Government will expedite their decision on the question of introducing the necessary legislation?
§ Captain WallaceI am aware of the increase in unemployment in the cotton industry since last October. With regard to the second part of the question, I regret that nothing can at present be added to the reply given by my right hon. Friend to my hon. Friend the Member for Bury (Mr. Chorlton) on 22nd March.