§ 4. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Labour what special action he proposes to take to provide employment for the 160 workers who have, during the last six weeks, been dismissed, and the others about to be dismissed from Messrs. John Lewis shipyard in Aberdeen.
§ Mr. IsaacsThe employment exchange has already found fresh work for some of the men discharged by this firm and is doing all that it can to help the others to obtain suitable employment.
§ Mr. HughesIs my right hon. Friend aware that this is not a case of casual or seasonal unemployment, but is due to conditions in the fishing industry as a result of which large numbers of men are finding themselves unemployed? Will he look into the matter with a view to rectifying the situation and preventing growing unemployment in this industry?
§ Mr. IsaacsI cannot accept in detail all that my hon. and learned Friend has said. I understand that 160 workers in this firm were dismissed, whereas the total unemployment at the moment has 1365 gone up by only 45, which means that an equivalent number have been found employment.