HC Deb 18 May 1950 vol 475 cc1363-4
2. Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the Minister of Labour what are the numbers and percentage of the population of unemployed men, women, boys and girls separately, at the latest known date at Newport; and what steps are being taken to find additional work for men at the docks.

Mr. Isaacs

As the reply includes a number of figures I will, if I may, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Freeman

Can the Minister say what chances there are of getting increased coal exports through Newport in the future?

Mr. Isaacs

The hon. Member will have to put that question to the Minister of Transport.

Following is the reply:

The following table shows the numbers of unemployed persons on the registers of employment exchanges in Newport at 17th April, 1950, and those numbers expressed as percentages of the estimated total number of insured employees in the area at July, 1948 (the latest date for which estimates are available:

Number Per cent.
Men aged 18 and over 803 2
Boys aged under 18 50 2
Women aged 18 and over 415 3
Girls aged under 18 41 2
Total 1,309 2

Every possible help will be given by the employment exchange in finding employment for those who require it.

5. Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the Minister of Labour when the factory for disabled workers in Newport will be started; how many will be employed; and the types of work it is expected to undertake.

Mr. Isaacs

I am at present unable to say when it will be possible to make a start at Newport. Remploy, Limited, need further time to consolidate their trading and financial position and, in the meantime, the building of new factories must continue to be deferred. It is expected that the projected factory will give employment to 100 workers when in full production. No decision has yet been reached as to the type of work to be undertaken.

Mr. Freeman

In view of the fact that this factory has been delayed so long, will my right hon. Friend say when it will be started?

Mr. Isaacs

I am sorry, but I cannot. I can tell my hon. Friend, however, what I do not think will be much comfort to him, that we are unlikely to tackle this further extension for quite another 12 months.