§ 33. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what figures of estimated discharges from the dockyard in Malta in 1962–63 and 1963–64 were given to the delegation from the General Workers' Union when it was in London recently; what action is being taken to find employment for discharged dockyard workers; what public work is being planned to meet the situation; and what provision is made for, and what amount is paid in, unemployment benefit.
§ Mr. H. FraserThe discussions with the General Workers' Union were in general terms on the overall employment prospects in Malta and assumed that the level of employment in the dockyard would remain constant save for the return of Admiralty staff lent to Messrs. Bailey. Regarding the second part of the Question, a Joint Advisory Committee on Employment, representative of all sections of employers and employees, will be keeping the employment situation under continuous review. The Malta Government's programme of public work is contained in its Five Year Development Plan, copies of which are in the Library of the House. Provision for unemployment benefit is made under the National Insurance Act, 1956; the 967 weekly rate of benefit for men is 45s. married, 30s. unmarried, and for women 22s. 6d.
§ Mr. AwberyThe Minister has not answered my Question. I asked what number of unemployed he expects in 1962–63. Figures were given to the delegation which came from Malta. Two months ago the delegation told me that unemployment in Malta was negligible and now there is a possibility of it increasing because of lack of agreement with Messrs. Bailey and Co. I want to know what has been done to relieve the situation in the future.
§ Mr. FraserAs I understand it, a very heavy investment is being made in private industry, and from Her Majesty's Government something like £29 million will be available for development between now and 1964. As to the size of unemployment, both sides assume that employment will remain at about the level the hon. Member has mentioned.