§ 32. Mr. Blakerasked the Minister of Labour what was the total reduction in the numbers employed in the engineering industry during 1967.
§ Mr. HattersleyIn the engineering and electrical goods industries (Order VI of the Standard Industrial Classification), it is provisionally estimated that between December, 1966, and December, 1967, the numbers decreased by 38,000.
§ Mr. BlakerIs not that a very sad reflection of the Government's mismanagement of the economy, bearing in mind the stimulation which they are allegedly giving to manufacturing industries at such great cost to the taxpayer?
§ Mr. HattersleyQuestion No. 37 asks for a general conclusion about that stimulation. If the hon. Gentleman waits until then, I will be glad to comment on the matter.