§ 53. Mr. MAXTONasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the output from the Clyde shipbuilding yards for the first six month? of this year of 302,753 tons is the greatest since the record year of 1913; and if he can state the numbers of men engaged in the industry in that area in the respective years?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Betterton)I am aware that, according to figures which have appeared in the Press, the total tonnage of vessels launched on the Clyde during the first six months of this year is higher than that for the first six months of any other recent year; but I understand that the total of all tonnage under construction has been less in recent months than in 1924. I regret that comparable figures are not available as to the numbers of men engaged in the Clyde shipbuilding industry in 1913 and at the present time.
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSMay I ask how much of the tonnage competed during the last six months is tonnage the work on which was suspended for a long time, and finished off during the last six months?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI cannot answer that question so soon after the expiry of the six months period. The figures of Lloyd's are not yet available.