HC Deb 01 November 1949 vol 469 cc185-6
21. Mr. Fairhurst

asked the Minister of Labour how many engineers and engineers' labourers were unemployed in Oldham on 22nd October, 1949.

Mr. Isaacs

At 13th September, the latest date for which figures are available, the number of wholly unemployed men registered at the Oldham employment exchange for employment as engineers was 20, and the number classified as engineers' labourers was five.

Mr. Fairhurst

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is much disquiet in the district mentioned in regard to the strong rumours of possible redundancy in the textile manufacturing industry?

Mr. Isaacs

I should hope that these rumours would prove to be unfounded, because so great is the demand for textile machinery that I cannot imagine redundancy arising.

22. Mr. Fairhurst

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons classed as unemployed and disabled have been trained at the Remploy establishment in Gladwick, Oldham; how many are being trained at the present time; and what is the total number who have been found employment to date.

Mr. Isaacs

One hundred and twelve severely disabled workers who were previously unemployed have been employed at the Oldham Remploy Factory; such training as is necessary is given during employment and it is not possible, therefore, to state separately the number in training.

Mr. Fairhurst

Is the Minister aware that there is an expression of opinion amongst people who have been trained that it would have been far better had they not been trained, for it has affected their chances of permanent employment in the future.

Mr. Isaacs

They are, in fact, in employment. They go into that place for employment, and when they come in they are trained for the kind of work done in that employment. Out of 112 who have gone in, 77 are still working there and 35 have left for other reasons, maybe because of prolonged illness, which we can expect amongst men of the type for whom we have to provide work.

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