§ 20. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for Air how many men employed by his Department in Malta have been dismissed during the past year and how many will be dismissed during the next two years; and what provision he is making for alternative employment for them.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Mr. Julian Ridsdale)In the past year thirty-seven men were discharged. As far as we can foresee we shall need to discharge about 300 more in the next two years beginning next April.
In the first instance, the question of alternative employment is one for the Government of Malta.
§ Mr. AwberyIs the Under-Secretary aware that Malta is a very small island with a very large unemployment problem? The problem will become greater with the running down of the three Services. Will he take up the matter with the Governor of Malta and try to provide alternative employment for the people who are being thrown out of employment as a result of the running down of the Services?
§ Mr. RidsdaleThe question of employment is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies, although I have much sympathy with what the hon. Member says and we shall certainly do all we can to help.