HC Deb 27 July 1943 vol 391 cc1393-4
65. Mr. David Adams

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, with a view to expanding current shipbuilding output and protecting our post-war interests in this industry, he will open, at the earliest date, Jarrow and Northumberland shipyards?

The Financial Secretary to the Admiralty (Mr. George Hall)

The case for the opening of both the Jarrow and Northumberland shipyards has been put before the Admiralty by the public representatives of Jarrow, Tynemouth and Wallsend Boroughs and has been very carefully considered. I can add nothing to the statement which was made recently to the representatives of these boroughs to the effect that there is at present no immediate prospect of either yard being opened. The preparation of either yard and the diversion of labour to man it would lessen rather than increase the efficient deployment of the industrial resources available for shipbuilding. The case which was put forward for the opening of these yards included the suggestion that the necessary skilled and unskilled labour could be provided if labour in the existing yards in the district were more 'efficiently used. This suggestion has, with the help of those who made it, been examined on the spot. It should be made clear that our need of shipbuilding labour is so great that even if any of the men employed in the Tyne shipyards are shown by this examination to be available for transfer elsewhere, they cannot at present be spared to man a new yard on either the Jarrow or the Northumberland site.

Mr. Adams

Is my right hon. Friend, aware that there are considerable numbers of skilled men on Tyneside unemployed? There is an abundance of labour.

Mr. Hall

We have no knowledge of any skilled men unemployed at Jarrow or in any other shipbuilding district. We are endeavouring to get piece-work rates introduced wherever possible.

Mr. Gallacher

May we take it that the Minister's statement about Jarrow is correct, in view of the repudiation of his strictures about the Clyde?