30. Sir N. G RATTAN-DOYLEasked the Lord Privy Seal whether he proposes to take any special steps to meet the increased unemployment resulting from the proposed abandonment of certain naval construction?
Mr. THOMASAs regards the situation in Admiralty dockyards, I cannot add anything to the reply given to the hon. Member by my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty on the 5th February. As regards private yards and other works, I have pointed out on previous occasions that the assistance which the Government is offering to schemes for the promotion of economic development and the reduction of unemployment will be available for the areas affected equally with other areas suffering from unemployment.
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEWill the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the anxiety there is in the shipbuilding areas in view of the prospective loss of employment, and will he expedite whatever he is going to do in this direction?
Mr. THOMASThe North-East Coast scheme is an illustration of the expedition, but it would be a mistake, and it would be wrong for any Minister to assume that he can back or support schemes that will give special treatment to any one section of workers, wherever they may be.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHABefore the announcement was made of these economies, totalling about £7,000,000, was any estimate made by the right hon. Gentleman's Department as to the effect on unemployment? If so, can he give the figures?