§ 36. Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLEasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the grave condition of unemployment in Barrow and the fact that the conditioning of a few warships has only given very restricted employment, and in view also 2033 of the fact that 8,000 men at least will be shortly liable to the operation of the gap system, he will state whether he is now able, by way of urgent relief, to take any steps of a practical and effective nature to induce the placing of any work or orders in the town?
§ Sir M. BARLOWOn account of the special circumstances at Barrow, I have approached various interests with a view to bringing additional employment to the town. The matter has also been under the consideration of the Cabinet Unemployment Committee. I regret that it has not so far been found possible to provide additional work on any extensive scale, but there are indications that the situation is improving slightly, and the hon. Member may be assured that all practicable steps will be taken to relieve the situation.
§ Mr. SOMERVILLEHas the Government any definite scheme under consideration beyond what the right hon. Gentleman has mentioned?
§ Sir M. BARLOWI do not think I can carry the matter any further than I have done in my answer. The matter is admittedly one of great difficulty, arid nobody knows it better than my hon. friend. We are doing all we can in the matter, and beyond that I cannot make any definite statement.
Mr. T. THOMSONIs the right hon. Gentleman making the same special effort to secure work for other necessitous areas as well as for Barrow?