72. Mr. Leeasked the Minister of Labour whether he is satisfied that those displaced as a result of changes in defence policy can be absorbed into other industries; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CarrIn the twelve months ending 30th November, 1957, the number of workers employed in the main industries concerned with defence production, i.e., ordnance and small arms, explosives and aircraft, fell by over 18,000. The number of workers registered as unemployed whose last employment was in these industries increased by only 541 during the same period. While there are difficulties in some localities, it is clear that the majority of the workers discharged as a result of changes in defence policy are succeeding in obtaining other employment, and I have no reason to think that this process of re-absorption will not continue.