Unemployment Government Training Centres 2. Mr. Graham White asked the Minister of Labour what steps have been taken since 16th April, or are now proposed, to increase the output of semiskilled men from Government training centres? 1. Mr. Horabin asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give this House an estimate of the number of men who will pass through Government training centres this year? The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Assheton) The present output of the Government training centres is at the rate of 34,000 a year, including 9,000 soldiers who are being trained as Army tradesmen. The capacity of the centres is being expanded, and the double shift system is being put into operation where possible. As a result of these measures the annual output of the centres, including both soldiers and civilians, will rise to over 50,000 after a few months. Greenock 3. Mr. Robert Gibson asked the Minister of Labour how the 684 men unemployed in the shipbuilding and ship-repairing industry in the Greenock area are distributed in categories as wrights, riveters, platers, etc.; and how it is that these men are unemployed in view of the shortage of labour in the shipbuilding industry? Mr. Assheton The number of unemployed registered at Greenock in the principal shipyard occupations on 11th March were 111 riveters, 57 holders up, 30 iron caulkers, 28 machinists, 26 platers, 10 shipwrights and six boilershop workers. This total of 268 fell to 206 by 29th April, the latest date for which I have figures. As the hon. Member doubtless knows, there are difficulties in securing the reabsorption of men who have been long unemployed even in the present state of demand, but no effort is being spared to achieve this in collaboration with the representatives of employers and trade unions. Mr. Gibson Can the Minister say what actually is being done in order to re-absorb these men into employment, because this matter has been going on for a long time? Mr. Assheton An examination of each man's name in the register has taken place, with the assistance of both employers and employed in the industry. Mr. Gibson Apart from the examination of the man's name, is an examination being made of the man, and are efforts being made to put men on to productive industry, which is so much needed at the present time? Mr. Assheton That is the very object of the examination. Mr. Kirkwood Arising from the original answer, in which the Minister said there were 20 platers unemployed in Greenock, if he sends those platers to Clydebank they will be immediately employed. Is he aware of that fact? Hull 6. Mr. Muff asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that there is a greater proportion of unemployment in Kingston-upon-Hull than in any county borough north of the Trent; and will he inform the House what steps the Government is taking to improve industry in Hull? Mr. Assheton The rate of the unemployment in Kingston-upon-Hull is considerably lower than that in several other county boroughs north of the Trent. I cannot state precisely the prospective demand for labour in Hull, but if strategic or technical considerations prevent full employment there I am confident that all able-bodied unemployed who are not liable to compulsory military service will wish to take part in the war effort either by assisting in other areas where there are urgent demands for labour or by filling the demands for volunteers in the Forces. My Department will give every help to men desiring to take advantage of such opportunities. Mr. Muff Will the hon. Gentleman give the name of one county borough in the county of Yorkshire, or Durham, or Northumberland, with figures worse than those for Hull? Mr. Assheton Yes, Sir. South Shields, Tynemouth, Gateshead, Sunderland, West Hartlepool, Newcastle, Leeds. Mr. Ede Does the hon. Member really quote that list with pride? Mr. Assheton No, Sir. I was answering a straight question. Mr. R. Gibson Can the Minister say whether in those areas the Employment Exchanges are refusing to advance their railway fares to men who have got jobs in other districts, as has been done in Greenock? Mr. Assheton That is another question, but I should not like to be taken as accepting the premises of the hon. Member. Mr. Leach Are not all those places where this unemployment is so rife war production centres, and, if so, what is the Minister doing about it? Insurance Companies (Engineering Trade Unions) 4. Mr. David Adams asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that three Manchester engineering insurance companies, namely, The British Engine, Boiler and Electrical Insurance Company, Limited, The National Boiler and General Insurance Company, Limited, and The Vulcan Boiler and General Insurance Company, Limited, refuse to recognise or negotiate with the trade unions representing a large majority of their staffs; and whether he will use his good offices to remove this cause of resentment? Mr. Assheton This question has been brought to my right hon. Friend's notice by the two trade unions concerned, who at his request supplied him with certain information on the matter. He is now proposing to approach the three companies with a view to discussing the position with them. Mr. Adams I take it the Minister agrees that it is part of his functions to assist the removal of grievances in order that good will may prevail in this industry? Mr. Assheton As the hon. Member is aware the Minister has no direct responsibility for this matter, but he will do what he can by seeing both sides. Mr. Ede When will the Minister approach the companies? Mr. Assheton As soon as possible. Mr. Ede He will not be there then.