§ 90. Mr. Oakshottasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what steps are being taken to ensure a high level of employment in the ship-repairing industry on Merseyside, and in particular in Birkenhead.
§ Mr. W. EdwardsEmployment in the ship-repairing industry has been abnormally high since the war owing to the arrears of maintenance of the Merchant Marine which was deferred during the war, and to the reconversion of the many ships which were altered for special war purposes. These tasks are154W nearing completion and when normal conditions return the level of employment in ship-repairing on Merseyside, as in other districts, will depend on the ability of the ship-repairing firms to obtain contracts. A Working Party is at present examining the question whether, in the light of the prospective demand, any additional berths, cranes or dry docks for ship-repairing are required on Merseyside.