§ 17. Dr. Dickson Mabonasked the Minister of Labour the latest percentage of unemployment in the Burgh of Greenock; and what steps he intends to take to remedy the situation.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe figure was 7.7 per cent. on 13th January.
Greenock is one of the areas which we regard as having the highest priority in our efforts to secure additional industry.
§ Dr. MabonMay I ask the Minister if he is aware that there is a possibility of further unemployment with the discharge of sugar in its new form, and that 100 dockers may be unemployed within the coming month? May I ask him if, initially, he could intercede with his right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade to secure a favourable decision in regard to the shipment of cement to Greenock for the construction of the atomic power station at Hunterston, Ayrshire, in the near future?
§ Mr. MacleodIn answer to the first part of the supplementary question, I would point out that the engagement of labour is a matter for industrial negotiations in the docks. I will discuss the second point with my right hon. Friend.