§ 8. Mr. Edelmanasked the Minister of Labour how many vehicle and motor body builders are now unemployed; how many are engaged in employment which does not require their specialised skill; and what steps he is taking to ensure that these highly qualified men use their labour and skill to the best advantage.
§ Sir W. MoncktonAnalyses of the registers of unemployed persons by occupations are made quarterly, and on 8th December, 1952, there were 363 light vehicle and motor body builders registered as unemployed at the employment exchanges. The further information for which the hon. Member asks is not available, but employment exchanges, as part of their normal policy, endeavour to 1483 submit workers to employment where their skill and experience can be best used.
§ Mr. EdelmanIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware of the increased tendency of motor manufacturers to export vehicles completely knocked down and to assemble them abroad? Is he further aware that new methods of body construction are causing unemployment among vehicle builders on the structural side, and will he receive a deputation from the National Union of Vehicle Builders in order to examine this question further?
§ Sir W. MoncktonIf the union concerned wish to make representations to me, they will be carefully considered, as all trade union representations of any view are considered in my Ministry.