44. Mr. Leeasked the Minister of Labour whether unemployment in the docking industry has recently increased or decreased; and whether he will give the latest available figures.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodWith permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statistical statement supplied to me by the National Dock Labour Board.
Mr. LeeWould the right hon. Gentleman indicate whether, in fact, there is an increase in unemployment and part-time working in the docking industry? If that is so, would he not agree that it does, indeed, form a barometer as to what is likely to happen in other of our industries? Therefore, would he keep the House very closely informed on these facts?
§ Mr. MacleodYes, Sir. The whole position fluctuates from day to day, and although there has been a substantial increase in those proving attendance, there are many factors in the statement to be circulated, such as men coming back from holiday, and those who are off sick, which the hon. Gentleman will also have to take into account in getting a true picture.
§ Following is the statement:
§ The Paymaster-General's duties include those laid upon him by Statute. My right hon. and learned Friend will also be able to undertake, as a senior Cabinet Minister, such special tasks as may be entrusted to him from time to time.
§ The statutory duties of the Paymaster-General do not normally involve so many Parliamentary Questions as to make any special arrangements necessary.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesCan the Lord Privy Seal tell us when the Paymaster-General 573 is to answer Questions in this House? Could he also say whether one of the Paymaster-General's duties is to explain the Government's policy in the Middle East, and what he has done to deserve such a punishment?