§ 5. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Labour how many men and women were registered as unemployed in the textile trades at the last convenient date; and what is being done to find suitable alternative employment for those concerned.
§ 9. Mr. Leslie Haleasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the increasing unemployment in the textile and clothing industry; and what steps he proposes to take.
§ Sir W. MoncktonThe latest date for which figures are available is 10th December. At that date 7,379 males and 17,667 females were registered as unemployed in the textile trades, and there were 6,294 males and 17,006 females unemployed in the clothing trades. The majority of these workers were temporarily stopped and hoped to return shortly to their previous employment. The employment exchange service is available to help those seeking alternative employment.
§ Mr. DoddsDoes the Minister think that this is a temporary phase of recession 4 in the textile industry, or is he of the opinion that those who have lost their work would be well advised to look for employment in some other channel?
§ Sir W. MoncktonMy reference to the temporary phase was due to the fact that in early December a number were temporarily stopped in their employment in relation to the extended Christmas holiday arrangements. There has since been a considerable resumption of work so far as those people are concerned. I would not like to venture a prophecy as to how far the textile industry is going to prosper or fail. On that matter I do not want to anticipate what will be said this afternoon by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
§ Air Commodore A. V. HarveyIs my right hon. and learned Friend aware that in some parts of the country like Macclesfield unemployment is worse since December, and is he further aware that this position commenced last June? Will he try and persuade his right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply to divert new factories, particularly those connected with the arms industry, into these areas?
§ Sir W. MoncktonI am well aware that unemployment has gone up at different periods to a different extent in different parts of the country. I cannot give a general answer as to recession and I do not want to enter a general debate on the matter in anticipation of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor.
§ Mr. SpeakerMr. Brockway.
§ Mr. HaleOn a point of order, Sir. The right hon. and learned Gentleman begged leave of the House to answer Questions Nos. 5 and 9 together. I did not protest though Question No. 5 refers to textile trades and Question No. 9 to the textile and clothing industry. I have been rising each time and have not been successful in asking a supplementary question on my own Question.
§ Mr. SpeakerI am sorry I did not see the hon. Member when he rose. I was looking for him in his usual place.
§ Mr. HaleMay I therefore, Sir, ask if I might be permitted to put a supplementary question affecting my division? The reason why I am not in my usual place is that somebody had pinched it before I got here.
§ Mr. SpeakerI am very sorry. It is my fault that I did not observe the hon. Member, but I am afraid we have passed the Question now and that by the Rules of Order we cannot go back.
§ Mr. HaleWith respect, Sir, there are many precedents for the Chair being good enough in such circumstances to permit an important supplementary question being put.
§ Mr. SpeakerI am sorry but I cannot. I have gone past that Question.