HC Deb 16 April 1958 vol 586 cc150-1
24. Mr. H. Hynd

asked the Minister of Labour how many workers in Accrington had to work short time in the form of an extended Easter holiday.

Mr. Iain Macleod

On the basis of reports received from employers I estimate that in the area of the Accrington Employment Exchange about 1,250 people were affected by extended Easter holidays in the week ended 5th April and about 1,450 in the following week.

Mr. Hynd

Does the Minister take into consideration this kind of disguised unemployment when considering the employment situation in that part of the country?

Mr. Macleod

Yes, certainly. This place, as the hon. Member knows, is just outside the North-East Lancashire Development Area, but my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer made some proposals yesterday for widening in certain cases the assistance that the Government are prepared to give.

Mr. Lee

Has the Minister noticed that there is again a big increase in the number both of unemployed and of people on short time in the Lancashire textile industry? Has he any suggestion or announcement to make concerning the result of Sir Frank Lee's mission, or anything of that sort, to help us?

Mr. Macleod

I have certainly noted the figures, and they are mainly responsible for the increase of unemployment in the last month in England. I am, of course, aware of the present difficulties. Negotiations are taking place to overcome the problems of duty-free imports and the Government will make a statement to the House as soon as we can.