§ 9. Mr. Lawsonasked the Minister of Labour if he will state the percentage changes in the numbers employed in the steel-making industry in Lanarkshire between mid-1948 and the latest available date.
§ Mr. GreenI estimate that between mid-1948 and mid-1961 there was a reduction of the order of 4 per cent. in the number of insured employees in the industry in Lanarkshire, excluding the City of Glasgow.
§ Mr. LawsonIs the Minister aware that this is one of the industries upon which the greatest hope has been placed for industrial expansion in Scotland? Does he not feel that, at a time when we are all concerned with the very slow rate of industrial growth in Scotland, this key industry shows very slight sign of expansion?
§ Mr. GreenI understand that the main reason for this delay at the moment is destocking, following an actual increase in the capacity of the industry. If the hon. Gentleman would like a survey of the future prospects, perhaps he would address himself to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Power.
§ Mr. RankinCan the Minister tell me why he excludes the City of Glasgow? Is it because he wants to boost his figures that he ignores the fact that during the period to which he referred there was a very large pay-off of people engaged in this industry in Scotland?
§ Mr. GreenI was trying to reply, with as much accuracy as I could within the terms of reference, to the question put down on the Order Paper.