HC Deb 06 November 1945 vol 415 cc1076-7
38. Sir G. Fox

asked the Minister of Labour if he will state for the latest convenient date the number of persons registered as unemployed on the employment exchange registers in Oxford and Merthyr Tydfil, with details as to the numbers of unemployed in the various trades affected.

Mr. Isaacs

A count of the unemployed was made on 15th October, and I will send the figures to the hon. Member when they are available.

Sir G. Fox

Is it the fact that the hard core of unemployment is already at Merthyr Tydfil, and is not this an example of another Socialist Election pledge being broken?

43. Mr. Daggar

asked the Minister of Labour the number of registered unemployed men and women, respectively, at each of the Newbridge, Abertillery and Blaina and Nantyglo exchanges; and also the steps taken to provide these people with employment.

Mr. Isaacs

A count of the unemployed register was made on 15th October, and I will send my hon. Friend the figures he asks for as soon as they are available. As regards the second part of the question, I understand from my right hon. and learned Friend, the President of the Board of Trade, that three new factories to be built in these areas will provide a substantial volume of employment, and that efforts to secure other new factories or otherwise to provide additional suitable work for workpeople in these areas are continuing. Further, my Department is circulating to these Exchanges vacancies in other parts of the country, so that those workers who are in a position to move to suitable work elsewhere may be submitted.

Mr. Bossom

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in regard to these new factories which are to be built, there are no other factories available?

Mr. Isaacs

I do not think I meant to convey that. I was in part of the area on Sunday, and what is being done is to make use immediately of any factories that can be used, and, at the same time, try and find an opportunity of building other factories for the use of other industries that are willing to go.

Mr. Bossom

Why build new factories when there are other factories in existence?