HC Deb 31 July 1952 vol 504 cc1673-4
24. Mr. Keenan

asked the Minister of Labour the number of registered unemployed ship-repair workers, craftsmen and labourers, separately, on the latest day in June, 1952, within the Liverpool area.

Mr. Watkinson

Ship repairers are not separately distinguished in the statistics of unemployment. The number of persons registered as unemployed at employment exchanges in Liverpool at 16th June, whose last employment was in the shipbuilding and ship-repairing industry was 1,108. Separate figures are not available for craftsmen and labourers.

Mr. Keenan

Is that figure not rather low, and would the hon. Gentleman keep his eye upon what is going on now because of the contraction of shipbuilding and ship repairing? Will he consult his right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport in order to avoid ships being sent to the Continent for repair and thus increase the number of ships repaired here?

Mr. Watkinson

We will certainly keep that under review.

Mr. Lewis

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that ship repair workers in London Docks as well as in Liverpool are very much concerned at the fact that ships are going to Germany and, in some instances, to Japan to be repaired by cheap labour? Will the hon. Gentleman look into that?

Mr. Watkinson indicated assent

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25. Mr. Keenan

asked the Minister of Labour the number of boys under 18 years of age, registered as being unemployed on the latest day in June, 1952, in the Liverpool area.

Mr. Watkinson

The number was 575 at 16th June, the latest date for which figures are available.

Mr. Keenan

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are complaints in my area as well as in other parts of the country that employers are getting rid of youths before they are 18, so that they will be under no obligation to them when they come out of the Services? Will his Department do something to prevent that unhappy state of affairs, because youths of 17 and 18 are getting into trouble because they have nothing to do?

Mr. Watkinson

If the hon. Gentleman has any case which he can bring to my notice, I hope he will do so.