HC Deb 21 February 1966 vol 725 c8
15. Mr. Marten

asked the Minister of Labour if he will estimate the number of workers engaged on defence contracts for Her Majesty's Government and for the export of arms.

Mr. Thornton

The answer to the first part of the Question is 366,000 in manufacturing industries at November, 1965, and, to the second part, that the information is not available.

Mr. Marten

As it is now the Government's firm intention to increase the export of arms, can the hon. Gentleman give any idea how this will affect the labour force? Will there be an increase in the labour force on arms manufacture?

Mr. Thornton

The question about the export of arms would be better directed to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade. But the trend of employment in the defence industries, on defence contracts, has been to decline for the last four or five years.