HC Deb 14 December 1954 vol 535 cc1569-70
38. Mr. Hamilton

asked the Minister of Labour to what extent there is a shortage of labour in the county of Fife in industries other than coal; and what representations have been made to his Department on this problem in the last 12 months.

Mr. Watkinson

There is a continuing shortage of skilled engineering and building trade workers in Fife, as, indeed, in Scotland as a whole. There is also a recurrent local shortage of skilled dockyard workers and male linoleum and transport workers in Fife. During the past year, a number of employers in these industries have sought the assistance of the employment exchanges in recruiting their labour, and the exchanges have done what they can to help.

Mr. Hamilton

Can the Minister provide any facts and figures to substantiate this claim? Is he aware that local industrialists are continually making this claim without advancing any facts or figures in support of it, whereas, primarily, I think the reason is that they fear the introduction of new light industries to the area?

Mr. Watkinson

If the hon. Member would like to come to see me, I will give him all the facts, which it is rather difficult to do at Question Time.