HC Deb 24 June 1937 vol 325 cc1349-50
8. Mr. Kirby

asked the Minister of Labour whether, having in mind the heavy percentage of unemployment in Liverpool, he can state what other occupations are available to the unemployed seamen of the port if they are given suitable training; and, if so, whether he has established or intends to establish training centres in which this class of unemployed worker, male and female, can be given training suitable to qualify them for the alternative available occupations?

Mr. E. Brown

Seamen at Liverpool are already eligible for training in any of the courses at Government training centres provided that they have no prospect of regular employment in their normal occupation and can satisfy the other conditions of the training scheme.

Mr. Kirby

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the difficult situation in Liverpool arising from the vast volume of unemployment and the fact that Liverpool shipowners are employing lascars instead of Englishmen, and is he taking any definite steps to meet the situation?

Mr. Brown

I cannot deal with the first part of the question at Question Time. If the hon. Member will look at the figures he will see that great advantage has been taken of these facilities.

Vice-Admiral Taylor

Are there any unemployed seamen in the port of Liverpool?

Mr. Brown

Yes, there are.