§ 22. Mr. BUCHANANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has received from the Clyde Joint Committee of Trade Unions a request that that area should be included as a distressed district for relief; if he is aware 190 that distress among large numbers of people is very acute; if he intends to include the Clyde area as desired; and, if not, can he state his reasons?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am aware that unemployment in the shipbuilding industry has been severe and that hardships have had to be borne during the period of depression. From inquiries I have made, however, I understand that the prospects of the industry appear to be improving. The tonnage of work begun in the last quarter of 1928 was greatly in excess of that begun in the preceding quarter and an improvement on the last quarter of 1927. Orders for a large amount of new work have also been given. A good deal of tonnage is becoming worn out and must be replaced and in addition it is likely that recent technical advances will necessitate extensive modifications of equipment on many coasting ships. In these circumstances, I see no sufficient reason why the area should be scheduled as a distressed area nor do I consider that the proposal of the Joint Trades Committee to raise a special fund is expedient.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that practically the same answer about improved trade in the Clyde has been given ever since this Government came into office, but that it is like Charlie—it is long in coming?