§ 76. Mr. Rankinasked the Minister of Labour what steps he is taking to deal with the increasing unemployment on Clydeside.
§ Mr. FernyhoughThe provisional figures for the February count of unemployment for the Glasgow group of employment exchanges indicate a slight improvement compared with the previous month. My local officers are doing all they can to help those unemployed to find other work and to offer training facilities where appropriate.
§ Mr. RankinI am grateful for that Answer.
§ 77. Mr. Rankinasked the Minister of Labour what plans he has prepared for the retraining of skilled persons now unemployed on Clydeside, particularly those engaged in shipbuilding.
§ Mr. HattersleySkilled workers who are no longer able to make use of their skills are eligible for retraining at any of the Ministry's 38 Government Training Centres. There are already four such centres within daily travelling distance of Clydeside and a fifth will open at Bellshill (North Lanarkshire) this summer.
§ Mr. RankinIs my hon. Friend aware that, while individuals may be eligible for training, the number of skilled persons on Clydeside who are presently being retrained is very small? In view of the changes which may be taking place soon on Upper Clydeside which might lead to further unemployment, will he look into the position very closely?
§ Mr. HattersleyI will certainly look into it as I know my hon. Friend wishes me to do, but I think he should be comforted by the knowledge that a fifth centre is to be opened soon and will take many of the men about whom he speaks.
Mr. Edward M. TaylorIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the future of the Upper Clyde merger is in danger because of the shortage of work, and was it not madness on the part of the Government to turn down the naval orders from South Africa which might have kept men employed?
§ Mr. HattersleyThe hon. Gentleman must grind his axe to the appropriate Minister.