HC Deb 03 March 1926 vol 192 cc1410-1
30. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Minister of Labour how many men and women, approximately, are working on special work or schemes for the relief of unemployment financed partly or wholly by the Treasury?

The MINISTER of LABOUR (Sir Arthur Steel-Maitland)

According to returns received, the number of men directly employed on 30th January, 1926, on schemes of relief work undertaken with Government assistance is provisionally calculated as 104,953. This figure takes no account of the employment provided indirectly, e.g., in the preparation and transport of materials.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Are any women employed? The right hon. Gentleman has referred to men only?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I will find out whether the answer includes women or not.

Mr. CLYNES

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that they are employed continuously?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

What does the right hon. Gentleman mean by "continuously"? These men have been taken on at various periods.

Mr. PALIN

Is this number a decrease as compared with last year?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I must ask for notice of any question dealing with comparative figures.

Mr. MACLEAN

Is not this figure the number of places that have been filled rather than the number of people who have been given employment?