§ 22 and 23. Mr. Piratinasked the Minister of Labour (1) how many shipyard workers were unemployed in the Tyneside area at the latest available date; and what are the prospects of them obtaining work in their trade;
(2) how many ship repair workers were unemployed in the Port of London area at the latest available date; whether other work has been offered them; and what are their prospects of work in their industry.
§ Mr. IsaacsThe latest official figures of insured workers in the shipyards registered as unemployed relate to 12th September and are as follow: Port of London area, 344; Tyneside (including Blyth), 1,276.
As regards the Port of London, there is no reason to expect an appreciable increase in the number unemployed, but as regards the Tyneside, a considerable number of workers have recently been paid off. Special efforts are being made to find suitable employment for these men and it seems likely that most of the skilled men can be found such employment in the near future.
§ Mr. PiratinDoes the Minister mean by that reply that there actually are plans for more work going to the shipyards of the north-east? Will he bear in mind the fact that many orders have been going abroad, including Germany, where labour is cheaper, and will he not go into the whole question again?
§ Mr. IsaacsI cannot very well comment on the second part of the supplementary question, because I have not given it special consideration. As to the first part, it is correct that efforts are being made, and I think will be successful, to get other work taken into the Tyneside area. So far as London is concerned, the number of unemployed has not added one to our unemployment figures.
§ Sir Ian FraserWill the Minister inquire whether there are not many scores of thousands of railway trucks and wagons which cannot at present be repaired because the workshops are full up? Is this not very suitable work for certain kinds of dockyards?
§ Mr. IsaacsIt depends on particular circumstances, but I can assure the hon. Gentleman that whatever work can be sent there to be done will be sent.
§ Mr. KirkwoodWill my right hon. Friend keep his eye on the Clyde on this question, because there is a good deal of unemployment among those who are engaged on repair work, which is now pretty well used up? Will he keep his eye on this matter?
§ Mr. IsaacsYes, Sir.