§ Mr. Sutcliffeasked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been called to the complaints of the cotton industry against the coal-selling schemes in Lancashire, Yorkshire, and the Midlands, as set out in the report of the Federation of Master Cotton Spinners' Associations, in which it is stated that prices for 1938
936W1936, and July, 1937, and the numbers recorded as unemployed at 25th January, 1937, and 17th January, 1938. Separate figures for the heavy chemicals industry are not available.
are unreasonable and that the statutory powers conferred on the coal industry are being exercised in a manner contrary to the public interest; and whether he will investigate the grievances of the cotton trade in this respect with a view to remedying them?
§ Captain CrookshankI have seen references in the Press to the report to which my hon. Friend refers. As regards the second part of the question, complaints are now before the appropriate Committees of Investigation and the matter is thereforesub judice.