§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many men working in the Hull and East Riding caravan industry have been laid off or are employed on short time; what are the reasons for the laying off and short-time working; what percentage of the men employed in the industry they represent; and what discussion he has had on the matter with representatives of employers and unions concerned.
§ Mr. Chichester-ClarkComprehensive statistics are not available for workers employed in the caravan industry. My Department, however, has been informed of short-time working affecting about 800 workers in the industry in Hull and East Riding. I understand that the reason for this is abnormal slackness in demand, particularly from overseas. I have had no discussions on this matter with representatives of the employers and unions concerned.