HC Deb 26 February 1958 vol 583 cc348-9
11. Mr. Gibson

asked the Minister of Labour the number of skilled and unskilled building trade workers registered as unemployed in January, 1956, January, 1957, and January, 1958.

Mr. Iain Macleod

On 13th January, 1958, there were 58,400 unemployed people whose last employment was in the building and contracting industries compared with 52,800 in January, 1957, and 35,400 in January, 1956. The numbers of wholly unemployed men in the main building crafts included in these totals were 15,400, 14,000 and 8,200 respectively.

Mr. Gibson

Is the Minister aware that, although in some ways this is the seasonal period in the year for unemployment in the building industry, these figures are alarming, particularly as they show a steady increase of unemployment each January? Is he not rather perturbed about it? If this trend continues, will not it inevitably lead not only to a large increase in the number of unemployed in the building industry—on which subject I know the trade unions are very worried —but to a large increase in unemployment in all other industries which feed the building industry and are to some extent dependent upon it? Will he do something about it?

Mr. Macleod

Of all the nation-wide industries, the building and contracting industry does give concern at the present time. As the seasonal trend improves, it is likely that craftsmen will be the first to benefit from it. One would also think that when the time comes, as I made clear in my speech on Monday—I do not think the time has come yet for relaxation—it is likely that the building industry will be the first to benefit.

Mr. Robens

While I agree that there is this seasonal position in the building trade, may I ask whether the Minister appreciates that there is very great apprehension about the position? Has the right hon. Gentleman made any rough estimate of what the position is likely to be in the spring and summer? Recent decisions taken by the Government must have affected the building industry.

Mr. Macleod

This trade is so important that I would like to make a special calculation on the subject. I will write to the right hon. Gentleman, or perhaps he will put a Question down.

Mr. Gibson

Will the right hon. Gentleman circulate the information?

13. Mr. Lipton

asked the Minister of Labour how many building workers are registered as unemployed in the London region; and the figure last year.

Mr. Iain Macleod

On 13th January, 1958, 10,552 people whose last employment was in the building and contracting industry were registered as wholly unemployed at employment exchanges in the London and south-eastern region compared with 11,020 in January, 1957.

Mr. Lipton

Is it not the height of lunacy that the number of unemployed building workers should be increasing while many tenants are threatened with eviction and there is nowhere else for them to live?

Mr. Macleod

Probably the hon. Gentleman did not hear my Answer, which was that the figure has gone down.

Forward to