HC Deb 08 July 1952 vol 503 cc1071-2
11. Mr. Timmons

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons signing the unemployed register in the various exchanges in Lanarkshire.

Sir W. Monckton

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

Mr. Timmons

Could the right hon. and learned Gentleman persuade the Government to change their whole policy in this matter? Is he aware that as a result of the policy of the Government the firm of John Deer have gone to Paris, because they were prevented from opening up in Lanarkshire, and is he further aware that the firm of Alexander Dunn & Sons are being frustrated in their efforts to develop in Lanarkshire? Will the Minister consult with his colleagues in the matter?

Mr. Brooman-White

Will my right hon. and learned Friend consult with the Minister of Supply and the President of the Board of Trade in order to see whether anything further can be done to help the present difficulties in Cambuslang, where the Hoover factory has recently had to lay off about 750 people, largely owing to difficulties in the Australian market?

Sir W. Monckton

I will certainly consult my right hon. Friend, as I usually do on these matters; but I would draw attention to the fact that there has not been any substantial change in the total number of people unemployed in these areas for a considerable time.

Mr. Timmons

There is quite a lot of under-employment. May I ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman if he will make approaches to the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Supply and the Scottish Office, who have done everything possible to prevent Mr. Dunn from getting on with this development?

Following is the reply:

NUMBERS OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS ON THE REGISTERS OF EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGES IN LANARKSHIRE AT 16TH JUNE, 1952
Employment Exchange* Males Females
Airdrie 442 619
Bellshill 242 375
Blantyre 164 179
Cambuslang 199 321
Carluke 37 24
Coatbridge 542 632
East Kilbride 13 15
Glasgow† 12,350 6,915
Hamilton 554 407
Lanark 58 84
Larkhall 170 116
Lesmahagow 14 24
Motherwell 396 422
Shotts 167 355
Strathaven 18 21
Uddingston 140 227
Wishaw 335 313
Totals 15,841 11,049
*Including Youth Employment Offices, where appropriate.
†The figures for Glasgow relate to the following Employment Exchanges: Bridgeton, Finnieston, Glasgow Central, Glasgow South Side, Govan, Kinning Park, Maryhill, Parkhead, Partick, Rutherglen, Springburn.