§ 13. Mr. Spenceasked the Minister of Labour how many unemployed workers there are in Scotland in the shipbuilding industry.
§ Mr. Isaacs3,706 at 14th October, the latest date for which figures are available.
§ Mr. SpenceIs the Minister aware that these men are unemployed because of the shortage of raw materials, including sheet 1390 steel, and will he say what are the representations he has made to the other Ministers to see that their export is restricted in order to provide employment?
§ Mr. IsaacsWe are aware that this and some other unemployment is due to shortage of raw materials, but the matter is actively being pursued between the Ministers concerned in an effort to find a remedy.
§ Captain CrookshankAs in the case of Question No. 8, is this count taken on Monday, and if so why is the same excuse not given here?
§ Mr. IsaacsBecause in this instance the men have remained unemployed and there was no need to give a reason which the right hon. and gallant Gentleman has now twisted into an excuse.
§ Mr. KirkwoodIs the Minister aware that there is five times the amount of unemployment in Scotland that there is in London and the South of England?
§ Mr. IsaacsThe point is that there is a shortage of labour in London and there is a surplus of labour in Scotland. There is, of course, a well known way of filling these London vacancies but there is some hesitation in introducing compulsory transfer.
§ Mr. SpeakerWe cannot pursue this any further. Supplementary questions are meant to seek information, but here they are giving information.
§ Sir W. SmithersIt is a futile reply.