HC Deb 03 February 1953 vol 510 cc1636-7
17. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Labour how many dock workers at Cardiff he expects to release under the Dock Workers Release Scheme; and whether he is satisfied that there is sufficient alternative employment in the city to prevent an increase in the number of registered unemployed.

Mr. Watkinson

Present indications do not suggest that the number of dock workers who may be released by the National Dock Labour Board under their voluntary Scheme will make any material difference to the employment position in Cardiff.

Mr. Thomas

Will the Minister be kind enough to answer the first part of the Question, which asks how many he expects to release?

Mr. Watkinson

I can tell the hon. Gentleman how many have been released. I think he already knows the number. It is five.

Mr. Thomas

There is, no doubt, a difference between the number that has been released and the number the hon. Gentleman expects to release. Has he any idea at all what his target is?

Mr. Watkinson

We cannot have a target in this matter. Generally over the country releases have been smaller than we expected because, most fortunately, the work in the docks has increased rather more rapidly than we expected at this time of year. It is only fair to the hon. Gentleman to say that, unfortunately, Cardiff Docks have not gone ahead as rapidly as most docks have, and that is why I cannot give the actual figure.

Mr. Gower

Is my hon. Friend aware of the need for caution in this matter? The South-West ports generally, including Cardiff, have been in a depressed condition ever since the end of the war, but with increased exports of coal it is hoped that more labour will now be required there?

Mr. Awbery

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there has been a general deterioration in the labour position in most of our ports? What is he doing to provide employment for the men trained in this work instead of transferring them elsewhere?

Mr. Watkinson

The hon. Gentleman will know that the Dock Labour Board has recently modified its scheme so that only a three-months' period is required. It is felt that for the moment that may meet the case until we see how the current volume of work in the docks is panning out.