HC Deb 10 December 1959 vol 615 cc738-40
44. Mr. McKay

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that some marine engineering firms on Tyneside have not received orders for propulsion machinery for a period of two years, that soon many of the workers in the industry will be unemployed, that other trades on Tyneside have a large percentage of unemployment, and that orders for the shipbuilding industry are also running down; and if he will investigate the conditions existing in the shipbuilding, engineering, and allied trades to see what can be done to prevent large-scale unemployment on Tyneside.

Mr. Erroll

My right hon. Friend is aware of the increase in unemployment on Tyneside, and in particular in Jarrow and South Shields. The Board of Trade will continue to do what it can to bring new industry to the area.

Mr. McKay

Is the Minister aware that, according to the Monthly Digest, there has been an increase from 31,200 to 43,100, or 38 per cent., in unemployment in the Northern Region? Is he aware that in the Tyneside area about 1,000 employees are working only four days a week and that another company will be dismissing men to the extent of one-third of its staff in a few months' time? It is a serious situation. Will the Minister take particular notice of the Tyneside?

Mr. Erroll

I have also noticed that Vickers-Armstrong have received an order for a new passenger liner of 22,000 tons, and that will help employment there.

Mr. Short

Cannot we impress the Government—we have tried hard enough—with the seriousness of the unemployment position in shipbuilding and ship-repairing on the Tyne? Will they not put forward a policy to deal with shipping? Will they make an announcement on the replacement of the two Cunarders?

Mr. Erroll

Those supplementary questions should be addressed to Ministers other than those of the Board of Trade.

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Donnelly.

Sir T. Moore

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Before Question No. 45 is answered, would it be in order for me to interject, "God forbid"?

Mr. Speaker

It would not be in order for the hon. Member to do so.

Dame Irene Ward

On a point of order. In reference to Question No. 44, is it not customary when local matters are being discussed to allow hon. Members on this side of the House who represent the area to ask supplementary questions?

Mr. Speaker

The House knows with what anxiety I try to get a reasonable number of Questions answered. For that reason—I hope without any appearance of discourtesy—I have to rely on hon. Members who want to know something putting Questions on the Order Paper.