HC Deb 29 April 1931 vol 251 cc1628-9
51. Mr. THORNE

asked the President of the Board of Trade the reasons why work upon the orders for two Cunard liners receiving Government assistance has not been commenced?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. W. R. Smith)

Under the Cunard (Insurance) Agreement Act, the Government undertook to provide insurance at reasonable rates for two large passenger steamers so far as this could not be covered by the insurance market. One of them has been under construction for some months, but no decision has yet been arrived at by the Cunard Company as to the commencement of the second vessel, and that matter is entirely one for the company to decide.

Mr. THORNE

Will my hon. Friend make representations to the President of the Board of Trade as to whether he cannot deal with this matter, since it would mean taking a very large number of men from the Employment Exchange?

Mr. SMITH

I can assure my hon. Friend that my right hon. Friend is very much aware of that fact, and that, so far as opportunity offers, he will take those steps; but I must repeat that the matter is one that is entirely within the jurisdiction of the Cunard Company.

Sir F. HALL

Is it not a fact that in the shipbuilding industry, according to the figures of the Employment Exchange, there are 62 per cent. of men unemployed; and cannot something be done by the Government to accelerate this work?

Mr. SMITH

What it is possible to do will be done, but certainly we have not much power.