§ 63. Mr. LANSBURYasked the Minister of Labour the total number of men employed on Government-assisted and other schemes by local and other authorities between 1st January and 30th June, 1923, showing the days worked by each man and wages paid; and whether he is now able to say when the improvements to the London and other docks are to be carried out?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Sir Montague Barlow)The total number of men employed on Government-assisted and other schemes, including schemes guaranteed under the Trade Facilities Act, was 121,000 on 6th January, so far as reported to the Department; on the 30th June the corresponding figure was 138,000, the highest figure in the period being 151,000 on 28th April. This is without taking into account the additional employment indirectly involved in transport, supply of material, and in other ways. Much of the work was done in rotation, but I 1873 cannot say how many men in all were employed, nor can I give the period of employment or earnings of each man employed. With regard to the last part of the question, I regret I cannot add to the answer given on 21st June by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport.
§ Mr. LANSBURYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the scheme for improving these London docks was passed by this House before 1914? Is it not nearly time that this work was put in hand?
§ Sir M. BARLOWI am entirely with the hon. Gentleman; I think it is.
§ Mr. LANSBURYThen cannot the right hon. Gentleman get a move on?