§ 36. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement on the state of employment in the granite industry in and about the City of Aberdeen.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour and National Service (Mr. Harold Watkinson)There has been a slight decrease in the level of employment in the granite industry in the Aberdeen district since 1950, as work on monumental masonry is gradually declining. There has, however, recently been an increase in architectural work, and the prospects on this side appear to be good. More apprentices are being engaged and some overtime is being worked. Employment in the granite quarries has increased slightly since 1950. Unemployment is very low on both sides of the industry.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the Parliamentary Secretary realise the gravity of the situation caused by foreign competition in this matter, and will he consult the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation with a view to inducing him to have granite used for kerbstones in his new plans, as that would probably relieve the industry for the next 10 years at least?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI will certainly look into that matter, but the present figures are only nine males unemployed in granite preparing and seven males wholly unemployed in granite quarrying.