HC Deb 21 May 1924 vol 173 cc2179-80
26. Mr. E. BROWN

asked the Minister of Labour the number of officials employed in the Statistical Department of the Ministry of Labour in the years 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923, and 1924, respectively?

Mr. SHAW

The number of officers employed in the Statistics Branch of the Ministry of Labour on the 1st April in each of the years referred to in the question is as follows:

1920 … … … … 252
1921 … … … … 391
1922 … … … … 241
1923 … … … … 153
1924 … … … … 162

Mr. BROWN

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider his staff is large enough, in view of the appetite of Members of this House for statistics?

Mr. SHAW

I am positively certain the staff would have to be materially strengthened if I had to give the information asked for by hon. Members.

35. Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALL

asked the Minister of Labour whether, bearing in mind the heavy and growing expenditure incurred in the maintenance of the statistics division of the Ministry of Labour, amounting now to nearly £60,000 a year, he will appoint a Departmental Committee to inquire into the organisation of the division with a view to adding to its usefulness and ensuring that information of obvious interest to the House and to the public, such, for instance, as particulars of the extent to which aliens participate in unemployment benefit, shall be readily available?

Mr. SHAW

The expenditure upon the statistics division of the Ministry of Labour in 1921–22 was £97,337 as compared with the estimate for the current year of £59,602. This much reduced figure shows a comparatively small increase over last year's estimate, which is principally due to an anticipated additional expenditure in connection with Trade Boards Acts. I am entirely satisfied with the method and results of the work which the division has been able to carry out with the reduced staff at its disposal, and I see no reason for the appointment of such a committee as is suggested.

Sir F. HALL

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it advisable to get the information in regard to aliens?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why, as there are nearly 200 still employed in this Department, he cannot give the information asked for in this House?

Mr. SHAW

If the hon. Member will consider the work of this Department and the ramifications of the Ministry of Labour, he will find that they are worked to the top of their bent.

Sir F. HALL

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it is sometimes penny-wise and pound-foolish to adopt such a policy?