§ 38. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Labour how many boys and girls between the ages of 14 and 16 years are at work in all industries; how many of the same age are unemployed; how many men and women are engaged in industry over 60 years of age; and how many over that age are unemployed?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI regret that no statistics are available as to the total numbers of boys and girls, or of men and women over 60 years of age, who are in employment, or as to the total numbers of such workpeople unemployed at the present time.
§ Mr. SHORTAre these figures not available from the Census returns, and will the hon. Gentleman make inquiries of the Ministry of Health so that these figures may be given to the House?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThe only figures available are those of the 1911 Census. With regard to the 1921 Census, the figures are not yet complete.
§ Mr. SHORTIs the hon. Gentleman aware that he gave the House the impression that these figures were not available? Now he tells us that they were available for 1911.
§ Mr. BETTERTONI am sorry the hon. Gentleman thinks I was misleading the House. It is the last thing I want to do. The figures in the 1911 Census would obviously be of no use to anybody, and would be quite misleading. Those for 1921 are not available, but as soon as they are available the hon. Gentleman shall have them.