BRITISH TEXTILE TRADE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20508, 8 March 1930, Page 11

BRITISH TEXTILE TRADE.

REPORT AFTER INQUIRY.

LOWER WAGES ESSENTIAL*. EFFECTS OF RECOMMENDATION. By Telegraph»-Press Association—Copyright. LONDON, March G. Mr. H. P. MacMillan, K.C., who was recently made a Lord of Appeal, and who with the assistance of the employers and the trades unions conducted an inquiry into the northern wool and textile industry, has issued his report. This recommends a reduction in wages, on the ground that the industry is so dangerously depressed that sacrifices in wages are essential. Mr. Shaw, the union secretary, explains that the recommendations mean that male workers would suffer a weekly reduction in wages of s's Id to 49s 9d, females of 3s to 29's 3d, and piece-workers 3s 8d to 38s. The union executives held a meeting and adjourned to March 10. The findings of Mr. MacMillan have bitterly disappointed 200,000 woollen trade "operatives, who are affected by his report. He states that he reached his decision with regret, but he regards it as inevitable. The financial position of the industry has become worse in the past five years, and at present is most unsatisfactory, if not actually dangerous. HIGHER INDIAN TARIFF. ANOTHER serious blow. REPRESENTATIONS IN VAIN. (Received March 7, 7.15 p.m.) British Wireless. RUGBY, March 6. The President of the Board of Trade, Mr. W. Graham, was asked in the House of Commons whether, having regard to the serious effect the proposed increase in the Indian cotton tariff would have on the Lancashire cotton industry, he would consider the desirability of making representations to the Government of India that the proposals should not be proceeded with.

Mr. Graham explained that, as would have been seen from Sir G. Schuster's speech in the Indian Legislative Assembly, the British Government had already done everything possible in the way of representations.

Mr. Graham added: " Although I fully realise the grave effect which this increase of duties may have on the trade of Lancashire, I appreciate also the proposal of the Government of India to ask the Legislative Assembly to assent to preferential treatment for Britain."