HC Deb 31 March 1926 vol 193 cc2023-4
35. Viscount SANDON

asked the Minister of Labour if he will re-introduce the specifications as to boys and girls in his weekly unemployment return?

Sir A. STEEL-MA1TLAND

To give separate figures for boys and girls would almost double the size of the weekly unemployment return, and this might militate against the main object of this return, which is to provide a statement in a form in which it can be readily reproduced in the Press. I am, however, looking into the matter. I may add that figures of the live register for boys and girls are given for one week in each month in the "Labour Gazette."

Viscount SANDON

In that case, how is it that it could be done two or three months ago?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

The difference from three months ago is that we are now, in the published statement each week, giving a good deal more information than we gave three months ago, by subdividing it into men permanently out of work, "stood off,"and casual. To give the full sub-division would increase the size, but if the newspapers are prepared to publish it in full in the increased size, I shall be only too glad to let them have it in that form.

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