HC Deb 04 May 1955 vol 540 cc139-40W
87. Mr. Hale

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a large number of mills in Oldham are now working short time and that some have closed down; and what steps Her Majesty's Government propose to take to deal with the situation in the cotton industry which is one of increasing gravity.

Mr. Low

There is some short-time working in the cotton mills in the Oldham area; it affects a relatively small number of mills and a small part of the total cotton labour force in the area. Two mills, which had employed about 150 workers, have closed since January. In reply to the second part of the Question, I have nothing to add to the statement made yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.