HC Deb 15 July 1947 vol 440 cc27-9W
78. Captain Crowder

asked the Minister of Labour to which particular trades the 28,868 building-industry workers in the United Kingdom, who were unemployed on 12th May, 1947, belong; how many of these men are unskilled workers; how many are men who were out of work for a few days whilst changing jobs; how many have been unemployed for four weeks or longer; and how many are fit for light work only.

Mr. Isaacs

The figure of 28,868 represents the total number of insured persons in the building and the civil engineering construction industries registered as unemployed in Great Britain and Northern Ireland at 12th May. The separate figures for the two industries were 18,624 and 10,244, respectively. An analysis according to occupation is available in respect of the building industry only, and the following Table shows the composition of the total of 18,624 for that industry at 12th May:

Carpenters and Joiners … 1,120
Bricklayers … 411
Slaters and tilers … 184
Plasterers … 201
Painters, etc. … 1,180
Plumbers, etc. … 243
Other building trade craftsmen … 370
Labourers … 10,989
Other occupations … 3,926

Statistics analysing the total numbers unemployed according to the duration of their unemployment are not compiled in respect of individual industries, and it is therefore not possible to say how many in the building, etc., industries had been unemployed for only a few days and how many for four weeks or more. Information is not available as to the total number who were fit only for light work, but the figure of 10,989 labourers in the building industry included 5,206 who were classified as "general Labourers for light work."

79. Mr. Willis

asked the Minister of Labour how many building trade operatives in Scotland were unemployed at the latest available date.

Mr. Isaacs

2,162 at 16th June.

80. Mr. Willis

asked the Minister of Labour which building-trade training centres in Scotland it is proposed to close down; and why this is being done.

Mr. Isaacs

It is proposed to close the centres at Barrhead and Mossend. These are emergency centres opened to carry on training until permanent centres under construction would become available Two of these permanent centres are now in full operation so that it is no longer necessary to carry on the emergency centres.