HC Deb 06 December 1956 vol 561 cc1441-2
38. Mr. Dye

asked the Minister of Labour how many building trades workers were registered as unemployed at the latest available date in Norfolk, Norwich, and Great Yarmouth.

Mr. Iain Macleod

At 12th November, 1956, the figures were 168 at Norwich, 56 at Great Yarmouth, and 114 at all other employment exchanges in Norfolk.

Mr. Dye

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that building trade employers in all those areas are apprehensive that these figures of unemployment will increase in the next few months very considerably through the lack of projects coming forward to be carried out? Would he not convey to his right hon. Friends the Ministers of Health, Housing and Local Government, and Education the need to release work to be done in the near future?

Mr. Macleod

There is, of course, always some seasonal unemployment at this time, but I take the point about public works which the hon. Member mentioned. The only one I actually know about which he has mentioned is the question of school building, which is important in that area. The number of people engaged on school building work has, in fact, increased this year.