§ Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Minister of Labour why there is still unemployment in the shipbuilding industry, in view of the nation's need for shipping; what steps he is taking to see that all available and adaptable skilled labour in this industry is employed before unskilled labour is upgraded; and whether he is now prepared to pay workers, transferred in the national interest from one yard to another, their fares and subsistence allowances?
§ Mr. AsshetonThe total number of male persons aged 18 years and over recorded as unemployed in the skilled occupations of the shipbuilding and ship-repairing industry in Great Britain at 29th July was 1,710. Representatives of employers and workpeople in the industry have co-operated with my Department in reviewing the case of all workers who were registered as unemployed in certain skilled shipbuilding and ship-repairing occupations at the main shipyard exchanges on 3rd June last, and who had not obtained employment before their cases were due to be reviewed. Of the 1,218 men whose cases were so examined, 831 were, in the opinion of the panels, suitable for employment in shipbuilding or ship-repairing either direct or after being given the opportunity of refitting themselves for the work. Steps are being taken to ensure that any of these men who have not since obtained employment are absorbed in the industry without delay. With regard to the second part of the Question, workers transferred by Employment Exchanges since 1st June last to work of national importance beyond daily travelling distance now receive travelling allowances, and married men (or single men with similar responsibilities) who continue to maintain a home in the town from which1502W they are transferred, are entitled to a lodging allowance at the rate of 3s. 6d. per night.