33. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Minister of Labour what further schemes 2208 the Government are prepared to put in hand in order to cope with the increasing numbers of unemployed workers in the heavy iron and steel industries throughout, the country?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThe Government are prepared to give assistance towards the cost of approved schemes of public utility put into operation by local authorities in the districts concerned. In addition, as stated in the Prime Minister's reply to the hon. Member on the 31st March, preference is given by the Unemployment Grants Committee to proposals by any local authorities for schemes calculated to promote employment in depressed industries.
Mr. THOMSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the future, the immediate condition, of the iron and steel trade is viewed with the greatest apprehension by those closely concerned, and will he take some other steps to those he has enumerated to satisfy himself on these points during the Recess?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI am quite aware of the state of affairs, but I think I am right in this: that on the North East Coast things are just a little better according to the last Returns. I am not, however, quite sure how far that affects iron and steel, as distinct from other trades in the North Eastern district.
Mr. THOMSONWill the right hon. Gentleman satisfy himself that there has not been a serious decrease of employment during the last two weeks?
§ Sir H. CROFTIn view of the appalling facts by the hon. Member could he not protect his constituents from the terrible foreign competition to which we are being subjected at the present time?