HC Deb 05 June 1924 vol 174 cc1460-1
77. Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD- BURY

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the number of men employed in the piano industry in this country on 1st April, let May, and 1st June?

The MINISTER of LABOUR (Mr. Shaw)

I am unable to give separate statistics for the number of men employed in the piano industry as they are included in the group embracing the manufacture of all musical instruments. The number of insured men in this group is about 15,000.

Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that during the past month there have been practically no British pianos sold, and that in consequence between 1,000 and 2,000 men had to be dismissed, and does he consider that the 200 proposed to be employed in reclaiming the Wash are ample compensation?

Mr. SHAW

I have no information which will lead me to believe that no British pianos have been sold. I have no information which will lead me to believe that these men have been dismissed. My information is that unemployment has gone down.

Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURY

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries?

Mr. SHAW

I will make any inquiries any hon. Member desires me to make.

Sir P. LLOYD-GREAME

What are the sources of information which lead the right hon. Gentleman to believe that unemployment in this industry is going down?

Mr. SHAW

I did not say I believed it was going down in this industry

Mr. MARLEY

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in St. Pancras, which is one of the chief piano industry districts, there has been no increase of unemployment due to any action of the Government?

Mr. COMPTON

Is it not a fact that, far from there being unemployment, there is an excess of overtime being worked in this trade?