HC Deb 19 July 1956 vol 556 cc1380-1
41. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Labour how many workers were engaged in the pottery industry in Stoke-on-Trent at the latest available date; and the number at a corresponding date in 1955.

Mr. Iain Macleod

Statistics of employment in local areas are obtained in respect of the end of May only in each year. Figures for May, 1956, are not yet available. At end-May, 1955, the estimated total number of employees in employment in the china and earthenware industry in Stoke-on-Trent was 58,500.

Dr. Stross

Is the Minister aware that the manufacturers now declare that they have lost over 2,000 men from the industry and that over 2,000 people are only partly employed? As this is such a serious matter, and as it is commonly believed by all sides of the industry in north Staffordshire that this recession is due entirely to the imposition of Purchase Tax, will the right hon. Gentleman represent that to the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

Mr. Macleod

Yes, I will represent what the hon. Member says, but my impression is that a great many other factors, including Continental competition, have had a substantial effect.

42. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Labour how many pottery workers have been placed into other industries by the employment exchanges in Stoke-on-Trent since autumn, 1955; and how many are signing on as totally and partially unemployed.

Mr. Iain Macleod

Employment exchanges in the Stoke-on-Trent area have placed about 960 pottery workers into other industries since last November. The latest available figures show 335 pottery workers registered as wholly unemployed, and 2,500 as temporarily stopped.

Dr. Stross

Will the Minister accept therefore, from his own Answer, that the situation is very much worse now than it was a few months ago? Can he make any suggestion as to how these craftsmen who are partially and totally unemployed can be placed, because it would appear from his Answer that there is now resistance to absorbing them in other industries?

Mr. Macleod

The problem is essentially one of short-time working. The number of wholly unemployed has not increased measurably since November. The problem, therefore, is one of short-time working, and one hopes that it is a temporary problem.