§ 13. Mr. MILLSasked the Minister of Labour the number of male and female unemployed at present on the register of Exchanges; how many boys and girls are signing; and how many are suspended from benefit and are still unplaced in situation?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAAt 10th April there were 1,367,014 males and 281,734 females registered as unemployed at Exchanges in Great Britain. The numbers of boys and girls under 18 in insured trades known to be unemployed were 36,197 and 22,041 respectively, and of these 26,844 boys and 15,276 girls were claiming benefit.
I cannot state the number suspended from benefit and unplaced in situations.
§ Mr. MILLSWill the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether or not there is any connection by means of which he is able to get at the number of unemployed boys and girls between the ages of 14 and 16?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI will inquire.
Captain TERRELLIs it not a fact that a large number of these women who are at present receiving this relief could be found employment as domestic servants?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe question has particular reference to boys and girls. With regard to women, we are in the happy position of having vacancies at 543 our disposal. With regard to men, there are very few vacancies, I am sorry to say —I wish there were more—but invariably it is our practice to call the attention of the applicant to the vacancies, and as a result we have filled, as my hon. and gallant Friend knows, a very great many places.
Captain TERRELLBut is the right hon. Gentleman not aware of the fact that in London alone there are a large number of householders who want servants, and who cannot get servants, and is it not possible that some of these women could be employed instead of receiving the donation?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIt is not a donation; it is a benefit. If a claimant for unemployment benefit came and improperly refused a suitable post we should have to take a very serious view of it, and we do.