HC Deb 24 March 1952 vol 498 cc16-7W
Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Labour how many unfilled vacancies there are in the Royal Ordnance factories in the counties of Staffordshire and Cheshire at the latest date for which figures are available; and how many there are in the coalmining industry in the same areas.

Sir W. Monckton

At the middle of March there were on the books of the Employment Exchanges approximately 500 unfilled vacancies in the Royal Ordnance Factories and 1,600 in the coalfields in the two counties.

Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Labour the numbers of unfilled vacancies in the Midland and North Midland regions in coalmining, agriculture and horticulture, and building, respectively, at the latest date for which figures are available; and how these figures compare with those for 24th October, 1951.

Sir W. Monckton

The following table gives the information desired:

for experiments to be carried out with one of these machines for the purpose of revolutionising transport problems between the mainland of the West Highlands of Scotland and the Inner Hebridean islands.

Mr. Maclay

No, not at present. The twin-engined helicopter is still in the prototype stage. Because it differs radically from all other types in design and operating techniques, a considerable period of basic research and development flying will be necessary before experimental services can be started on selected routes.