9. Mr. H. Wilsonasked the Minister of Labour the average number of dock workers signing on in Merseyside docks for whom no work was available at the latest available date.
§ Mr. WatkinsonIn the week ending 31st January the average daily number of registered dock workers surplus to requirements in the Merseyside ports was 4,168.
Mr. WilsonIn view of the steady and persistent refusal of the Conservative administration in Liverpool to agree to the scheduling of this area as a Development Area, which eventually had to be done over their heads, will the hon. Gentleman say whether he expects now any improvement in the dock employment situation on Merseyside, or must those who are discharged from dock employment take their turn in the queue for these new factories?
§ Mr. WatkinsonAs the right hon. Gentleman knows very well, because he has previously asked a Question on this matter, last November the figures were much worse. At that time, they were 5,610 or 26.2 per cent. of the register. I am glad to say that they have now fallen to 19.9 per cent. of the register, and while we hope they will go lower still, at least we can say that the position has improved.