§ Major Procterasked the Minister of Labour how many women weavers of over 40 years of age thrown out of employment by the closing of mills by Government action have not hitherto succeeded in obtaining any suitable employment on the latest date for which figures are available; and what alternative occupation is now being offered to such unemployed workers?
§ Mr. TomlinsonThe total number of women cotton weavers over the age of 40 who have been displaced by concentration of production and who are registered as unemployed is 1,182. The majority of these are elderly women who are unable for domestic reasons to leave their home area and who are unsuitable for vital war work which involves night duty. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by my right hon. Friend on nth September.
§ Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that some Lancashire textile mills are meeting difficulties in retaining a sufficient number of workpeople; and will he take steps to remedy this?
§ Mr. BevinYes, Sir. After discussions with the Board of Trade and the industry, I have decided to apply the Essential Work (General Provisions) Order to the nucleus firms in the cotton spinning industry.