HC Deb 19 July 1968 vol 768 cc298-9W
Mr. Eddie Griffiths

asked the Minister of Power whether he is aware that the percentage of clerical staff in the British steel industry who are receiving full-time and part-time further education is low in comparison to other categories of employees; and if he will give a direction to the corporation to increase this percentage.

Mr. Mason

The provision of training in the steel industry is the statutory responsibility of the Iron and Steel Industry Training Board established by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity. If my hon. Friend will put his Questions to the Board, they will be glad to answer them.

Mr. Eddie Griffiths

asked the Minister of Power what was the total number of people employed in the public sector and in the private sector, respectively of the British steel industry in the past six years.

Mr. Freeson

Numbers on the payroll of the British iron and steel industry (excluding iron foundries).

Thousands
Private Sector Public Sector
December—
1963 … … 279.5 26.8
1964 … … 290.3 28.1
1965 … … 290.5 27.7
1966 … … 285.9 26.6
1967 … … 95.1 205.6
March—
1968 … … 94.8 204.3

Notes:

1. These figures comprise process workers, general and maintenance workers, and administrative, technical and clerical employees. Iron and steel company employees not associated with the manufacture of iron and steel are excluded.

2. The figures for 1966, 1967 and 1968 include certain head offices, regional offices, laboratories and other establishments not included in earlier years.

Mr. Eddie Griffiths

asked the Minister of Power what was the total number of people employed in the public sector and the private sector, respectively, of the steel industry in Sheffield for the past six years.

Mr. Freeson

Numbers on the payroll of the iron and steel industry (excluding iron foundries) inthe Sheffield District.

Thousands
Private Sector Public Sector
December
1963 … … 56.2 Nil
1964 … … 58.0 Nil
1965 … … 58.0 Nil
1966 … … 61.0 Nil
1967 … … 31.1 26.5
March—
1968 … … 31.2 26.1

Notes:

1. The figures comprise process workers, general and maintenance workers, and administrative technical and clerical employees. Iron and steel company employees not associated with the manufacture of iron and steel are excluded.

2. The figures for 1966, 1967 and 1968, include certain head offices, regional offices, laboratories and other establishments not included in earlier years.

3. Sheffield steel-making district includes Stocksbridge and Rotherham.