HC Deb 11 November 1952 vol 507 cc747-8
25. Mr. H. Wilson

asked the Minister of Labour how many dock workers on Merseyside are registered as unemployed or were, at the latest available date, signing on at the docks under the guaranteed wage arrangements; what proportion these figures represent of the total dock labour force; and what estimate he can make of the number of unemployed through the Governments import cuts and the recent decline in the export trade.

Mr. Watkinson

During the week ending 1st November, the average number of registered dock workers on Merseyside proving attendance for whom work was not available was 5,056, or about 23.5 per cent. of the total number of dockers on the Merseyside registers. This surplus is, of course, largely due to a decline in imports and exports, but I am unable to estimate the proportions.

Mr. Wilson

In view of these alarming figures and the fact that the hon. Gentleman has not given the full information asked for in the Question, in view also of the failure of the President of the Board of Trade to take energetic steps to provide alternative employment, will the hon. Gentleman say what prospects he sees of any improvement in employment in the docks on Merseyside in the next few months in the light of the import cuts and the disastrous decline in exports?

Mr. Watkinson

If the right hon. Gentleman had been in his place yesterday he would have heard this matter very fully discussed. He would have heard the very full statement which was made by my right hon. and learned Friend on the matter. He would also have heard that my right hon. and learned Friend is meeting the National Dock Labour Board in about half an hour's time.

Mr. Wilson

The statement yesterday by the right hon. and learned Gentleman was undoubtedly lengthy, but it did not deal with the prospects of trade. Will the hon. Gentleman say what prospect he sees of increasing the flow of trade and improving employment on Merseyside?

Mr. Watkinson

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman would put that question to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Mr. Shinwell

Cannot the hon. Gentleman answer the question? What is he there for?