Cotton Textile Industry (Deputation)

Oral Answers to Questions — Palace of Westminster – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 29 March 1955.

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Photo of Mr Ernest Thornton Mr Ernest Thornton , Farnworth 12:00, 29 March 1955

asked the Prime Minister what proposals he has to make, consequent upon his meeting, on 24th March, with representatives of all sections of the cotton textile industry.

Photo of Mr Henry Hynd Mr Henry Hynd , Accrington

asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement about his interview with representatives of the cotton textile industry on 24th March.

Photo of Mr George Drayson Mr George Drayson , Skipton

asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement arising out of his meeting with leaders of the Lancashire cotton textile industry on Thursday, 24th March.

Photo of Mr Winston Churchill Mr Winston Churchill , Woodford

The deputation from the Cotton Board developed their case fully and fairly, and I am much obliged to them for doing so.

The situation facing the cotton industry, both from the fall in export demand and from the rise in certain imports, is one that demands and is receiving the earnest and urgent consideration of Her Majesty's Government. As the Cotton Board themselves recognise, weighty and substantial and far-reaching issues of policy are involved, and we shall announce our policy on these matters, as we hope, before we separate for Easter.

Photo of Mr Ernest Thornton Mr Ernest Thornton , Farnworth

While thanking the Prime Minister for his personal interest in this matter, may I say that I sincerely hope that he will deal with it as being serious and urgent? Is the Prime Minister aware that, since the preparation of the statements presented to him last Thursday, there has been a further serious deterioration in the position, and that employment exchanges in the cotton towns are recruiting additional staff to cope with the anticipated widespread extended stoppages over the Easter period? Does the Prime Minister not agree that under present trading conditions the cotton textile industry is having to carry a totally disproportionate burden of the policy in the interests of expanding Commonwealth trade?

Photo of Mr Winston Churchill Mr Winston Churchill , Woodford

All these matters are, and will be, taken into consideration.

Mr. H. Wilson:

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is now nearly nine months since the Cotton Board raised this question with the President of the Board of Trade as a matter of urgency, and that the situation has got worse since that time, even, as my hon. Friend said, since last Thursday's meeting? Will the Prime Minister ensure that any statement made before Easter is adequate to deal with the situation?

Photo of Mr Winston Churchill Mr Winston Churchill , Woodford

I hope that it will be made before Easter. As to its adequacy, everyone will judge for himself.

Photo of Mr Kenneth Thompson Mr Kenneth Thompson , Liverpool, Walton

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the reply which he has given about this very important question will give great satisfaction—[HON. MEMBERS: " Oh."]—to those of us who are in Lancashire—the knowledge that he has the matter in hand, in contrast with the conditions which prevailed in 1951, when hon. Members opposite were afraid of it?

Photo of Mr Winston Churchill Mr Winston Churchill , Woodford

The cotton question is a very intricate one. Personally, I have very keen feelings about it, from my early youth. I think it would be a pity if it were to become a purely party issue between both sides; because each can find fault with the other and each can bid against the other in promises which might not be in proper relation to the broad general interests of the country.

Photo of Mr Hervey Rhodes Mr Hervey Rhodes , Ashton-under-Lyne

Is the Prime Minister aware that a great measure of confidence could be restored to Lancashire very quickly if the Government could find out from America what are their proposals for the disposal of their surplus stocks of cotton; and that if he would bend his mind to that problem and intervene personally, or send the President of the Board of Trade, as a matter of urgency, during the next few days, he would do an inestimable service to Lancashire?

Photo of Mr Winston Churchill Mr Winston Churchill , Woodford

Constructive suggestions of that character will certainly be borne in mind by the Government.