§ 63. Mr. Fletcher-Cookeasked the Minister of Labour the total number of working days lost as a result of industrial disputes from 1st January to 1st July, 1957; what proportion of that total was lost as a result of disputes in the coal mining, ship-building and ship-repairing, water transport, docks and road passenger transport industries; and what proportion of the civilian labour force is employed in those industries.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe total number of working days lost as a result of industrial disputes from 1st January, 1957, to 31st July, 1957, was 7,830,000. Forty-five per cent. of this total was lost as a result of disputes in the coal mining, ship-building and ship-repairing, water transport and docks, and road passenger transport industries. On the last available estimate, which relates to the end of May, 1956, some 7½ per cent. of the total civilian labour force of the United Kingdom was employed in those industries.
§ Mr. Fletcher-CookeDo not these figures show that very few of the workers in this country in proportion to their total number are involved over the years in industrial disputes?
§ Mr. MacleodYes, indeed. I made that clear in my speech in the economic debate a fortnight ago.