HC Deb 08 June 1959 vol 606 cc604-6
4. Mr. Gower

asked the Minister of Labour how many ship-repair workers and how many docks' employees, respectively, have been unemployed at Barry for more than 14 days; and what steps are being taken to increase employment at the Barry docks.

Mr. Iain Macleod

Information as to the duration of unemployment is not available for particular industries. On 11th May, 195 persons last employed in shipbuilding and ship-repairing industry were registered as unemployed in Barry and the average number of registered dock workers proving attendance for whom no work was available was 83 in the week ending 30th May. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer given by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Newcastle-on-Tyne, Central (Mr. Short) on 27th January.

Mr. Gower

As these figures represent a rather high proportion of a labour force which has already contracted, and as Barry is to be distinguished from the position of other ports which have been affected by the recent decline in world trade because in South Wales the decline has continued ever since the end of the war due to the decline in coal shipments, could not my right hon. Friend consider some special treatment here and possibly consult his right hon. Friends, particularly the First Lord of the Admiralty, to see whether some Government ship-repair work can be provided?

Mr. Macleod

It is true that the whole of the Cardiff area is a difficult area. As my hon. Friend has indicated, one of the main reasons is the decline in the coal export trade. I am in constant touch with my right hon. Friends, particularly the First Lord of the Admiralty, on this sort of problem.

Mr. Callaghan

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a problem of growing anxiety in the absence of work is the complete inadequacy of unemployment insurance payments for men who have been out of work for some weeks? Is he further aware that there is growing hardship in this area because people are simply not able to keep pace with their commitments? Will he look urgently into the possibility of raising the unemployment insurance benefits?

Mr. Macleod

I think that that supplementary question goes a great deal wider than the Question, but it has always been thought to be difficult to isolate unemployment benefit for that particular purpose. For example, sickness and unemployment must surely march together.

Mr. Callaghan

While that is so and while realising the difficulties, will the right hon. Gentleman take into account that in ship-repairing there is probably a longer-term group of unemployed than in almost any other industry, and that there has been unemployment there for some months? Therefore, the degree of hardship becomes greater.

Mr. Macleod

Yes, I understand that, but I do not think anyone suggests that we can have differential rates of unemployment benefit according to the industry. It seems to me that it would be impossible to operate such a system. As to the inadequacy of the benefits, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance, who has been listening to this exchange, keeps those under review.

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