HC Deb 19 February 1980 vol 979 cc121-2W
24. Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps Her Majesty's Government are taking to reduce unemployment in the shipbuilding and ship repair industry on Merseyside.

Mr. Jim Lester

The measures for helping the shipbuilding industry announced by my hon. Friend the Minister of State Department of Industry in July 1979 are aimed at maintaining a viable shipbuilding industry in this country. Because of worldwide over-capacity and a fall in the demand for ships some contraction in the number emloyed in shipbuilding and ship repair is, however, inevitable.

The Manpower Services Commission will do all it can to help workers who have lost their jobs in the industry find fresh employment.

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