§ 53. Mr. Shortasked the Minister of Labour what steps he is taking to ensure full employment in the heavy engineering industry in the County Borough of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
§ The Minister of Labour and National Service (Mr. Iain Macleod)There is no evidence that the high level of employment in this industry in Newcastle-upon-Tyne is endangered.
§ Mr. ShortWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the unemployment figures do not reflect the true position? Overtime work has stopped completely and large numbers of men are paid off. The extent to which they can be absorbed by other industries is strictly limited. The North-East depends to a large extent upon four basic industries and is extremely vulnerable. Will the right hon. Gentleman keep in close touch with the President of the Board of Trade and not let the position get out of hand?
§ Mr. MacleodYes, I do bear these things in mind. I always try to look behind the figures and get the exact position. In this House, I can deal only with the exact Question which is on the Paper, which refers in terms to the heavy engineering industry in the County Borough of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, which has comparatively few difficulties. In the surrounding area, other occupations, like shipbuilding and ship-repairing, which are industries not normally included in heavy industry, there is, I understand, cause for some little anxiety.