§ 44. Sir L. Plummerasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the possibility of unemployment in the printing industry in Manchester and Glasgow as a result of the newspaper purchases and amalgamations which have been effected and proposed; and what steps he will take to remedy this situation.
§ Sir W. MoncktonI understand that at Glasgow no change in production is contemplated and that at Manchester redundancy will not be significant.
§ Sir L. PlummerIs the Minister aware that the amalgamations and closings such as are now taking place in Manchester may lead to unemployment, particularly among the more elderly newspaper workers, particularly journalists; and will he make representations to Lord Kemsley, who has now become, I understand, an ordinary printer, but whose reputation as a butcher of newspapers is assured, that out of his millions he should do something for these people whose unemployment he will have directly caused?
§ Sir W. MoncktonI thought it best to consult the unions principally concerned. I learn from N.A.T.S.O.P.A. that no redundancy amongst printing operatives is foreseen, and that, indeed, more staff will be required. As far as a few drivers are concerned, the Transport and General Workers' Union hopes that they will be absorbed in other work.