§ 38. Mr. CLOUGHasked the Minister of Labour if he will state the chief 12 trades in which there is an increase in unemployment; and whether he will at the same time indicate, in each case, what is understood to be the cause of this increase in unemployment?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI am glad to say that employment in the principal industries of the United Kingdom is still maintained at a high level, and is much better than a year ago. Almost the only exceptions to this general statement are those of the boot and shoe trades, where there has been a considerable decline due to a falling off in demand; the cotton-weaving industry, which is affected by the slackness of the Indian market, and the linen trade in Ireland, which continues to suffer from lack of materials. I should add that in shipbuilding, although employment is still good, there has recently been some decline, owing to a shortage of raw materials.
Captain TERRELLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware whether there has been any increase of unemployment since the introduction of the Budget?
§ Dr. MACNAMARANot so far as I know. I have no information to that effect.