HC Deb 12 March 1924 vol 170 cc2316-7
Captain TERRELL

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the Government plans for the relief of unemployment, he can state the steps which are being specially taken to find work for skilled men whose efficiency may otherwise deteriorate; and whether the Government possesses any detailed statistics showing the proportion of these men to the general number of unemployed?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers this question, may I ask him what are the Government's plans for unemployment?

Mr. SHAW

The most effective way of setting skilled men to work at their own trades is by encouraging the general revival of trade, and the Government are devoting all possible attention to this. As regards relief works, the direct labour employed is in most cases unskilled, but encouragement is given to works which require material manufactured in depressed industries. Statistics showing the number of persons unemployed in each industry are published monthly in the "Labour Gazette," but it is scarcely practicable to distinguish accurately between skilled and unskilled and still less to separate out the skilled men whose efficiency is likely to deteriorate during unemployment.

Viscountess ASTOR

Does not all this require capital?

Mr. SHAW

Yes. I am quite aware that it requires capital, and I hope to be able shortly to suggest to the Cabinet measures for taking steps to find the capital.

Mr. REMER

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any information to the House, of any kind, of any means by which the Government are attempting to revive industry in this country? [HON. MEMBERS: "Sixty hours a day."]