HC Deb 13 July 1950 vol 477 cc1519-21
4 and 5. Mrs. Jean Mann

asked the Minister of Labour (1) the percentage unemployed registering at Coatbridge employment exchange; and what information he has as to the reasons for unemployment in the tinplate and Woodside factories;

(2) what information he has regarding unemployment in the Waverley, Woodside, and Coats heavy industries in Coat-bridge; and as to the reason for it.

Mr. Isaacs

The number of unemployed persons on the registers of the Coatbridge employment exchange at 12th June represented about 6 per cent. of the total number of employees in the area. I am informed that the Woodside iron works and the Coatbridge tinplate company are no longer able to compete with the more modern rolling mills. They have been working short time and are expected to close down shortly. I understand that normal production has been resumed at the Coats and the Waverley iron works, which employ some 380 workers.

Mrs. Mann

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his reply is completely contrary to that given to me last week by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply who said: There is no competition with Belgian steel…and I have no reason to suppose that further orders for lapwelded tubes will fall below the present level."—{OFFICIAL REPORT, 4th July, 1950; Vol. 477, c. 257.] May we have some co-ordination between these two Departments?

Mr. Isaacs

I was not aware that this inquiry was in reference to Belgian steel. I was merely asked for the facts about unemployment and that is the Question I have answered.

Mrs. Mann

Would my right hon. Friend communicate these facts to the Ministry of Supply so that we may have less ignorant replies from that Ministry, and so that something may be done for the heavy industries of Coatbridge?

Mr. Isaacs

I will most certainly communicate with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply. I assure the hon. Lady that the Government are most anxious to do what they can so far as Coatbridge is concerned.

Mr. Osborne

Is not it unreasonable to expect good planning between Socialist Ministries?