§ 14. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the unemployment caused in Aberdeen shipyards by the recent reduction in orders for shipbuilding, ship-repairing and engineering; and what steps he has taken this winter to find remedies for these financial and economic problems.
§ Mr. ErrollI am aware of the reduction in the employment being provided by shipbuilding and ship-repairing firms in Aberdeen. But nevertheless the average rate of unemployment was lower in 1961 than in 1960. I shall continue to encourage new industry for the district.
§ Mr. HughesIs the Minister not ashamed of being unaware of our ancient traditions and of not treating this island nation as the great shipbuilding nation that it once was? Will he take urgent steps to see that British shipbuilding yards are put in a position to compete with the foreigners in this respect?
§ Mr. ErrollShipping and shipbuilding are matters for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport. What I am concerned with is the provision of industry to provide employment, and that is why I am not only aware that unemployment in Aberdeen has gone down in 187 1961 but am glad about it. It also serves to answer the right hon. Member for Battersea, North (Mr. Jay).