HC Deb 22 February 1940 vol 357 cc1500-1
8. Mr. Robert Gibson

asked the Minister of Labour what number of men belonging to the shipbuilding and ship-repairing industry were recorded as unemployed at 15th February, or last convenient date, in the Greenock area; and what percentage this represents of the total in the industry there?

Mr. E. Brown

The latest figures at present available are those relating to 15th January, which have already been supplied to the hon. and learned Member.

Mr. Gibson

Will the right hon. Gentleman pass these figures on to the newly appointed Controller of Shipbuilding?

Mr. Brown

The Controller of Shipbuilding is well aware of the figures, not only about this particular town, but of the whole area.

Mr. Gibson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the answer to my Supplementary Question on the previous occasion he stated that he would pass these figures on to the Controller of Shipbuilding. And has he done so?

Mr. Brown

As I have said the Controller of Shipbuilding is well aware of the figures, and, as a matter of fact, we have been discussing figures which will not be ready until 5th March, and not only that, but the possibilities in the months ahead.