87. Mr. H. Wilsonasked the President of the Board of Trade what consultations he had with the trade unions representing workers in the cotton industry about his decision to abolish the Raw Cotton Commission; the dates on which these consultations took place; and the date on which he informed them of the decision referred to above.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftThe Board of Trade and the Ministry of Materials had confidential discussions with representatives of the United Textile Factory Workers' Association and other interested trade unions on 12th August and 29th September. The object of these talks92W was to give the trade unions full information about the technical discussions which were being held, following the report of the Cotton Import (Review) Committee, with representatives of other sections of the trade; to inform them of the alternative proposals which were under consideration; and to give them an opportunity of expressing their views. The decision to wind up the Commission was not communicated to anyone in the trade before it was announced in the Gracious Speech.