HC Deb 17 December 1953 vol 522 cc545-6
5. Mr. Mitchison

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the proposed sale in lots with premises in or near Leicester of most of the 74 lorries at present used for the distribution of Stewart and Lloyds' tubes and accordingly located at Corby will put out of employment men engaged in driving the lorries and as depot staff; and what steps he proposes to take to obviate this un employment or to find other employment for the men in question.

Mr. Watkinson

I do not accept the implication that the sale of these lorries will necessarily lead to unemployment among drivers or depot staff. If, however, any of the workers concerned become unemployed, the employment exchanges will do everything possible to help them to find other suitable work.

Mr. Mitchison

Is the Minister aware that this is the tube works where, recently, partial unemployment has arisen for the first time? In these circumstances, is he not prepared to put his head together with those of his colleagues in the Ministries of Transport and Supply, both of whom are concerned, and use their active influence with the Transport Commission and the Road Haulage Disposals Agency, to find a better means of disposing of these lorries than by this piece of improvident folly?

Mr. Watkinson

I should be delighted to put my head together with those of any of my colleagues. This Government works as a team. I think I should tell the hon. and learned Gentleman—and I am very glad to say it—that unemployment at Corby is still only 0.5 per cent., which is a long way below the national figure.

Mr. Callaghan

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that, owing to the consequences of the Transport Act, 74 lorries which have been operating efficiently as a unit have now been split up among half-a-dozen smaller depots, merely to satisfy the requirements under which they must be sold under the 1953 Transport Act?

Mr. Watkinson

That will be a matter for my right hon. Friend and not myself.