SLOW RECOVERY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22241, 29 January 1947, Page 5

SLOW RECOVERY

WOOL TEXTILES SERIOUS SHORTAGES LABOUR AND MACHINES (Special Correspondent.) (9 a.m.) LONDON, Jan. 28. An acute shortage of labour with mills clamouring for up-to-date equipment are among the chief difficulties lacing the Yorkshire woollen and worsted industries, states the Times labour correspondent. The shortage of labour is due to the industry shrinking throughout the war, while the works are unattractive largely because the industry is old and has a tradition of low wages, unemployment and short time The capacity of factories for producing new machinery is limited, and output is restricted by foundry congestion. A high proportion of the output is being exported.

Shortage of Women

The correspondent says that the shortage of women workers is at the heart of almost every problem facing the wool textile industry to-day. It is the prime cause of the continued shortage of heavy clothing and other woollen products. There are vacancies now for at least 15,000 workers, fourfifths of them women. . The worst shortages are in the worsted spinning section, and if they could be met the demand would expand in the weaving and finishing sections. It is estimated that altogether at least 50,000 could be rapidly absorbed in the industry if they were available.

Export of Machinery

As regards machinery, the correspondent says wool textile leaders are bitterly critical of the policy, which, they say, is delaying the re-equipment of British mills while at .the same time their competitors abroad are being equipped with machines. They say that the long-term power of the British woollen, industry to compete abroad is being undermined. The Board of Trade replies that textile machinery has always been one of Britain’s staple exports, and any change in this policy would mean losing permanent markets besides depriving the country of essential foreign exchange. , ... , . The report of the Wool Working Party is expected in February and it is hoped that it may be able to help clarify the question of increasing production.