§ Sir A. SINCLAIRasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the exceptionally prolonged and intense period of unemployment through which 2066W the people of Sharpness Dockyard are passing; and whether he is prepared to institute an inquiry into the local conditions and to promote by all possible means the revival of the trade upon which the district depends?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI am aware that unemployment in Sharpness, Gloucestershire, has been severe for some time, more particularly in the winter mouths. The majority of the men unemployed are dock workers. The local conditions are well known, and I do not think an inquiry would serve any useful purpose. The port depends largely on the coal, grain, and timber trades, and I hope, as employment is now gradually improving, that it will share in the revival.