§ 90. Mr. Errollasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that cotton operative spinners are claiming monetary compensation because the Cotton Control is unable to supply the usual grades of cotton to cotton spinners and that certain operative cotton spinners have for this reason ceased work; and what steps he is taking to ensure continuity of production.
§ Mr. MarquandI presume the Question refers to a dispute which has led to a stoppage of work at the Elk Mill, Royton. I understand that before the war the firm used largely American cotton, and is now, like others, using a proportion of cotton from other sources. The complaint of the operatives is of excessive fly, or very short fibres thrown off in the course of spinning, which is said to be associated with the elimination by the firm of certain processes normally performed. Similar 13W and lower quality cotton is used by other firms without complaint.
I understand from my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour, that the assistance of his Department is at the disposal of all parties in endeavouring to secure agreement as to the basis for resumption of work.