§ 15. Mr. McMasterasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what steps he is taking within his responsibilities in the United Kingdom to ensure that the economic and financial restrictions at present in force and to be applied do not cause a rise in unemployment in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AlbuIntensified efforts are being made to steer new jobs to Northern Ireland in common with the development areas in Great Britain. The tougher control of industrial development certificates in congested areas, the extension of the system of office development permits, and the building licensing restriction should all be helpful.
§ Mr. McMasterIs this the best the Minister of State can say? Is he aware that unemployment in Northern Ireland is 6 per cent., many times above the national average, and that the hardship caused by a credit squeeze such as the present one is bound to affect a marginal area like Northern Ireland more severely than any other part of the country? Will the hon. Gentleman take clear and effective steps to prevent a sharp rise in unemployment in Northern Ireland this winter?
§ Mr. AlbuThe hon. Gentleman knows very well that the level of unemployment in Northern Ireland is lower than it has been for many years. He is also aware of the very energetic steps that my right hon. Friend has taken over the last year to get new industry into Northern Ireland. He may also be aware that the Northern Ireland banks are exempt from the requirement to make special deposits; this will also be helpful to Northern Ireland industry.
§ Mr. McNamaraIs my hon. Friend aware that the responsibility for a large part of the unemployment in Northern Ireland is that of the Unionist Stormont Parliament and that we are prevented in this House from in fact—[Interruption.]
§ Mr. SpeakerIf the responsibility does lie there, the hon. Gentleman cannot ask a supplementary question about it.
§ Mr. McMasterOn a point of order. In view of the complacency of the Minister of State's reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.
§ Mr. SpeakerNotices must be given in the conventional language.
§ 16. Mr. Fittasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs whether he is aware of the prospect of redundancy among 4,000 workers in Short Brothers and Harland before the end of 1967; and what steps he will take, including diversification to provide new jobs, to mitigate the effects of this redundancy.
§ 17. Mr. McMasterasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if, in co-operation with the Northern Ireland Government, he will take immediate steps to create sufficient new jobs in Northern Ireland to employ the men whom the Government expect as a result of their plans for Short Brothers and Harland to be declared redundant between now and the end of 1966; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AlbuAs my right hon. Friend told the hon. Member for Belfast, East (Mr. McMaster) on 7th July, a great deal of work is already being done on these problems, both by us and by the Northern Ireland Government, and further announcements can be expected shortly.
§ Mr. FittWould the Minister of State take it seriously that all political parties in Northern Ireland, including myself and hon. Members opposite, are deeply concerned about the position in Short Brothers and Harland? This factory is of supreme importance within the context of industrial relations in Northern Ireland and many people are deeply concerned. Would the Minister of State give an undertaking to expedite any negotiations which may be taking place so that we may have a successful conclusion?
§ Mr. AlbuI assure my hon. Friend that negotiations are going on very actively indeed. My hon. Friend may 1862 be pleased to know that Rolls Royce are already advertising for men to be employed on the manufacture of aero engine components. This is in addition to the negotiations which are going on, with a large number of companies. We hope that these negotiations will be very soon brought to a successful conclusion.
§ Mr. McMasterIs the Minister of State aware that the trade union leaders responsible at Short Brothers and Harland have informed many Members of the House that no visible progress has been made with the diversification of the works of Short Brothers and Harland, in spite of the appointment of consultants and the receipt of their report a long time ago? Will the hon. Gentleman take urgent steps to deal with this problem, as he promised during the General Election and before?
§ Mr. AlbuMy right hon. Friend has recently seen some of the trade unionists in Northern Ireland, and he does not believe that this can possibly be the case. In any case, the hon. Gentleman, who is a lawyer, will understand that, while negotiations are proceeding, one does not bruit them all over the world.
§ Mr. WhitakerWill my hon. Friend make it a condition of the receipt of any aid from this Government that the companies involved do not practise discrimination on the ground of religion or any other mater?
§ Mr. CurrieCan the Minister of State give any indication of the date when an announcement is likely to be made as to the outcome of the negotiations?
§ Mr. AlbuObviously one cannot do that. When one is conducting negotiations, one cannot say in advance—in fact one would prejudice the success of the negotiations if one did so—when they may come to an end.