HC Deb 09 November 1908 vol 195 cc1701-2
MR. J. M. MACDONALD (Falkirk Burghs)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade what, according to the official figures, have been the proportionate increases in unemployment in Germany and the United Kingdow between the corresponding periods of 1906 (when unemployment in both countries was at its lowest point since 1903) and 1908.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. CHURCHILL,) Dundee

Taking the mean of the percentages of trade union members reported unemployed during the present year and comparing it with the mean for the corresponding period of 1906 it would appear that the proportionate increase in the percentage has been in the United Kingdom, 115 per cent. and in Germany 145 per cent.

MR. J. M. MACDONALD

May I infer from the right hon. Gentleman's Answer that there has been a greater instability of employment in Germany than in Great Britain during the period covered by the figures?

MR. CHURCHILL

I should not like to say that without having an opportunity of considering all possible information.

MR. FELL

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if there are "hunger marchers" parading the streets of most of the towns in Germany?

*MR. SPEAKER

That does not arise out of the Question.

MR. JAMES HOPE

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what are the actual proportions of unemployment in both countries at present.

MR. CHURCHILL

I do not think the material for making an accurate comparison exists.

SIR GILBERT PARKER (Gravesend)

Are the bases of the figures of unemployment the same in England as in Germany, and are the conclusions arrived at in the same way?

MR. CHURCHILL

My Answer applies strictly to the basis mentioned in the Question.

SIR JOHN RANDLES (Cumberland, Cockermouth)

Are we to understand from the right hon. Gentleman that there is more unemployment in this country than in Germany at the present time?

*MR. SPEAKER

That is outside the Question on the Paper.