42. Mr. Leeasked the Minister of Labour whether he will undertake an inquiry into the effects of the oil economies proposed by Her Majesty's Government upon employment levels in our principal industries.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe further restrictions announced on 20th November have been designed to cause the minimum disturbance to production and employment. I am keeping a close and continuing watch on their operation.
Mr. LeeIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that a mere flat-rate reduction will not leave certain key industries in a most aggravated situation, and that if their oil supplies once drop below the minimum necessary to conduct the work, it will mean pretty heavy unemployment in those industries that depend upon the products of the key industry?
§ Mr. MacleodIt is precisely for that and other reasons, of course, that I am keeping, and will continue to keep, the very closest watch. I am already getting most detailed reports from our regional offices all over the country, so that I can keep my finger as close as possible on the pulse of what is happening.
§ Mr. AllaunHow is it possible for the Government to avoid serious unemployment when they have decided to cut the supply of diesel oil to industrial firms by 20 per cent. on 1st January?
§ Mr. MacleodThe N.P.A.C.I. has said that what has been announced so far should not have a serious effect. Of course it is true that one cannot prophesy what will happen if, for example, the Suez Canal remains blocked for a long period of time, and more stringent measures have to be put into operation.