6. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Minister of Labour how many men in the building trades were registered as unemployed, and the amount paid to them in benefit, for the last week for which figures are available?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Dr. Macnamara)At 10th April the number of men in the building trades in Great Britain registered as unemployed was 128,310, of which 48,988 were craftsmen and 79,322 labourers. The amount paid in benefit, including allowances for wives and children, for the pay week next before 10th April is estimated at £92,000.
Mr. THOMSONDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think it would be in the interests of the State to find these men useful work in building houses that are wanted rather than paying them money for doing nothing?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAMy hon. Friend has put that position to me more than once, but I have stated the facts that have been asked for.