73. Mr. Leeasked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a statement outlining the employment position and future prospects in the aircraft industry throughout the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. CarrIn spite of the considerable reduction in defence work in the aircraft industry in the past year, employment in the industry as a whole remains high. At the end of November the labour force, at nearly 270,000, was still larger than at any time before July, 1956, and was 175W only 3½thousand smaller than a year previously. The number of aircraft workers unemployed in December was only 164 more than at the beginning of the year and represented 0.5 per cent. of the total labour force.
As to the future prospects of the industry, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply made in answer to Questions on 2nd December, 1957.