HC Deb 06 February 1961 vol 634 cc2-3
2. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that on 17th January, 1961, 100 skilled

workers in the shipyards of Messrs. Hall, Russell and Company, Aberdeen, were paid-off, and that the inactivity of so many skilled workers represents a national loss in productivity, in exports and in intake of foreign currency; and if he will state his plans to solve the relevant problems and mitigate these local and national losses.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Peter Thomas)

Yes, Sir. A further 37 men were paid off on 20th January. One hundred and twenty-two of these workers registered at the employment exchange, 37 of them have already entered new employment and 17 have been put forward for known vacancies. My local officers are doing everything possible to find suitable employment for the remainder. The Government are fully aware of the difficulties of the shipbuilding and ship-repairing industry throughout the country and the problem is being studied by a special sub-committee of the Shipbuilding Advisory Committee.

Mr. Hughes

Does not the hon. Gentleman realise that "doing everything possible"—to quote his phrase—is far too vague, and that the conduct of the Government towards shipbuilding and ship-repairing is not only disappointing but, in Aberdeen, a gross dereliction of their duty? Will he consult other Ministers, notably the First Lord of the Admiralty, with a view to having more orders for shipbuilding and ship-repairing sent to Aberdeen?

Mr. Thomas

The Government are fully aware of the difficulties, but, fortunately, in Aberdeen unemployment in this industry has been falling in recent months, and immediately before this recession it was low.

Mr. Lee

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that one of the main complaints from people who become redundant is that employers are not giving sufficient notice to local employment exchanges to help them to anticipate the unemployment? Both sides of the industry are keen about this. Will the hon. Gentleman see that employers apprise local exchanges of requirements in this respect?

Mr. Thomas

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for raising that point, and I will look into it.