§ 6 Mrs. Mannasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the unemployment register in Coatbridge is showing a 2406 disturbing upward trend, due to a recession in iron and steel re-rolling; and if he will take steps to reduce the unemployment in this industry.
§ Sir W. MoncktonYes, Sir. I am aware that a number of workers in the iron and steel industry in this area have recently been registered as temporarily stopped, and I understand that this is due to a falling-off in orders for the home market which have been placed with local firms. I will continue to watch the position and keep in touch with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply about it.
§ Mrs. MannIs the Minister aware that in this instance there is a marked change in comparison with the years 1950 to 1953? Compared with last year, there is an addition of 200.
§ Sir W. MoncktonIn February that was so. It was much less in January, when there was practically no change, but February, with its bad weather, was a difficult month for the whole country.
§ Mr. BevanMight not the fall in employment in the rolling and re-rolling industries indicate that we are at last faced with the same influences as have produced such a reduction in steel production in America and in Germany? Will net the right hon. and learned Gentleman look at the question from that point of view?
§ Sir W. MoncktonI will certainly look at it from that point of view with my right hon. Friend. I hope there is no reason for a pessimistic view yet, at any rate.