§ Mr. Hammersleyasked the Minister of Labour what has been the result of the recent regulation intended to divert ex-cotton workers back to the cotton industry; and what steps he is taking to ensure that the sorely depleted labour resources of this industry are replenished.
§ Mr. BevinI presume my hon. Friend is referring to the special registration of women ex-cotton operatives which took place a year ago, and I would refer him to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply to the hon. and gallant Member for Middleton and Prestwich (Major Gates) on 10th October. I appreciate the vital importance of securing the return to the cotton industry of former operatives and workers who have been steadily withdrawn from their other war work under arrangements agreed upon with the Supply Ministers over a year ago as far as was compatible with other war production needs. As changes in production take place in their particular work ex-cotton operatives who become redundant are considered first for vacancies in the cotton industry. I am also anxious to obtain an increasing number of juvenile entrants, and in this I am receiving assistance from my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade through the medium of the Cotton Board.