HC Deb 15 December 1926 vol 200 cc2905-6
11. Mr. KELLY

asked the Minister of Labour the number of workpeople registered at Employment Exchanges in October, 1926, as unemployed from the plain net and lace trade in Derby, Nottingham, Long Eaton, Somerset and Devon?

Mr. BETTERTON

The numbers of persons classified as belonging to the lace industry recorded as unemployed at 25th October, 1926, in the areas in question were as follow:

Derby … … … 103
Nottingham … … … 885
Long Eaton … … … 525
Somerset … … … 65
Devon … … … 173

Mr. OLIVER

Has the Department any figures to show that the inclusion of this industry under the Safeguarding of Industries Act has brought any material advantage to the particular districts mentioned?

Mr. BETTERTON

No, Sir, but I think that had it not been for that Act, the figures would have been much larger.

Mr. KELLY

Do the figures include plain net as well as lace?

Mr. BETTERTON

I think so, but I should need to verify that statement. I think it includes both.

Mr. HARRIS

Are we to assume that Tariff Reform means work for all"?