§ 75. Mr. Collickasked the Minister of Labour the present number of work-people unemployed in Birkenhead; what was the number in the corresponding period 12 months ago; and what steps he is taking to secure employment for these workers.
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§ Sir W. MoncktonAt 10th November, 1952, 2,044 persons were registered as unemployed in Birkenhead compared with 1,282 on 12th November, 1951. The Employment Exchange is making every effort to place these workers in other employment, and I am continuing to co-operate with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade in trying to increase employment opportunities in the Merseyside Development Area.
§ 76. Mr. Collickasked the Minister of Labour the number of dockers in Birkenhead whose labour is not being fully used; and what steps he is taking to ensure a return to full employment.
§ Sir W. MoncktonAt 22nd November, 1952, the average daily number of dock workers surplus to requirements at Birkenhead was 81, or about 3.5 per cent. of the register. On the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Members for West Ham, North (Mr. Lewis) and Deptford (Sir L. Plummer) on 18th November last.