§ 1. Mr. P. Wellsasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the increase in the number of unemployed on the Isle of Sheppey; and if he will confer with the owners, with a view to arranging to restart production in the sheet glass factory at Queenborough.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour and National Service (Mr. Harold Watkinson)I am aware that there was a slight increase in the numbers registered as unemployed at the Sheerness employment exchange in April but I am glad to say that the numbers fell in May to the lowest level this year. I understand that as the supply of sheet glass is adequate to meet present demands, the owners have no plans for re-opening the factory.
§ Mr. WellsBut is the Minister aware that, as the sea defence work ends on the Isle of Sheppey, the position is likely to become much worse, and that anything which he or the President of the 1054 Board of Trade can do to restart the production in the Queenborough factory will be much appreciated.
§ Mr. WatkinsonWe appreciate the difficulties but, as the hon. Gentleman knows, the Isle of Sheppey is not the easiest place in which to provide fresh employment. It would be wrong of me to hold out any great hopes of restarting the glass factory, because the general demand at the moment is well met by the existing factories which are in operation, but we shall do anything else we can to help.