.ltMore women needed in industry

The Times,
30 January 1948

Sir Stafford Cripps, Chancellor of the Exchequer, reviewed the economic situation at a Press conference held in London yesterday to discuss "Women and the national effort."

He said that it was imperative that every man and woman in the land should understand the gravity and urgency of the present position. Without the help of women in industries, notably the textile industries, we could not possibly reach our targets. The textile industry was important because it was one of the few industries that did not need steel as a raw material. We must make the greatest possible use of the markets for textiles and to do so needed thousands of women workers now. There was no question that today we could not survive without the help of women workers.

Women had been returning to industry in increasing numbers. During November 19,000 part-time women workers were recruited and 7,500 full-time workers. Of these, approximately 7,000 were recruited to the textile industries. The cotton and woollen industries each needed another 30,000. Unless recruitment in the textile industries increased, the home clothing ration would undoubtedly be endangered.

In Lancashire the traditional 'Monday wash' was a serious obstacle to recruitment. Farseeing employers were now installing laundries, where the wash was done for the women, a boon that was drawing women to those mills.

The danger of inflation would increase unless more was saved. A complete boycott of the black market would kill inflation.

"We have before us a year of hard grind but great hope," Sir Stafford Cripps added. "A new and vigorous spirit is undoubtedly alive in the nation. We are determined to stand on our own feet. Marshall aid, if it comes, will give us more time but cannot alter the fundamental nature of our problem. That problem is not insoluble if we are resolute."
.lc
.ll
.ll
.ls
.ls