108. Major Lloydasked the President of the Board of Trade what he is doing to alleviate the unstable position of many 51W light industries in Scotland which are in increasing trading difficulties owing to the incidence of Purchase Tax on their products and the increasing costs of production and are compelled to dismiss many of their workers; and whether he is aware of the growing concern of the working people in the industrial areas in Scotland at this menace to their livelihood.
§ Mr. BottomleyI am not aware that there is any general instability in light industry in Scotland. But with the end of the seller's market for consumer goods certain firms, not only in Scotland, have experienced difficulties which have led to the dismissal of workers on a small scale. I am hopeful, however, that the work-people displaced will be absorbed in industry essential to the national recovery.