§ 52. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Minister of Labour if he can state the approximate number of those engaged in the mat-making industry to-day compared with the number employed in 1914; and what proportion of the number now employed are blind persons?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)I have been asked to reply. According to the Population Census of 1911, there were 3,078 mat-makers in England and Wales in that year, 186 of whom were blind. There are no statistics of the total number of mat-makers for any later date, but the number of blind mat-makers in England and Wales on the 30th April, 1923, was 487.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIf any assistance is to be given to any trade, will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind the fact that if these poor people are thrown out of work it is almost impossible for them to obtain work in any other direction?
§ Sir K. WOODYes. I daresay my hon. Friend knows that provision is already made through the State and local authorities.