§ 60. Mr. Errollasked the Minister of Labour if he will give any convenient figures showing the extent of unemployment amongst building operatives in the Southampton area during 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, and at the present time.
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Isaacs)As the reply includes a table of figures, I will, if I may, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. ErrollCan the right hon. Gentleman say if any of those who are at present unemployed will be satisfactorily accommodated at the new oil refinery at Fawley?
§ Mr. IsaacsThat is altogether another question, and I would like to see it put down on the Order Paper.
§ Mr. Ralph MorleyIs not most of the unemployment among building trade workers in Southampton only temporary and due to turnover? Further, is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a shortage of building trade labour at Southampton which is holding up development? Can he give us some assistance to obtain more?
§ Mr. IsaacsWhat labour is unemployed is of a transitional character; there is, in fact, a demand for more labour there.
§ Following is the reply:
§ The following table shows the numbers of males registered as unemployed at employment exchanges in Southampton at the specified dates whose last employment was in the building industry: 222
| — | Craftsmen | Others | Total |
| 13th May, 1946. | 22 | 74 | 96 |
| 12th May, 1947. | 13 | 27 | 40 |
| 10th May, 1948. | 19 | 68 | 87 |
| 9th May, 1949. | 42 | 108 | 150 |
| 15th May, 1950. | 30 | 92 | 122 |