HC Deb 21 February 1966 vol 725 cc24-5
48. Mr. Carmichael

asked the Minister of Labour what is his latest information on the shortage of skilled labour in the engineering and shipbuilding industries in the west of Scotland; and what trades are affected.

Mr. Thornton

At the January count in this area in the main skilled occupations in engineering there were 1,053 notified vacancies for men as against 722 men unemployed; and in shipbuilding there were 253 vacancies as against 168 unemployed. The most considerable shortages were of machine tool setters and turners in engineering, and of joiners, sheet metal workers, sheet iron workers, electricians and plumbers in shipbuilding.

Mr. Carmichael

While thanking my hon. Friend for his Answer, may I ask whether he has any information from his officers in the west of Scotland about the holding of labour by certain firms, not allowing a good distribution of labour for the urgent jobs which are required in other parts of the west of Scotland?

Mr. Thornton

No. I have no information.