§ 44. Mr. JACOBasked the Minister of Labour the percentage of unemployment in the lace industry now; and how it compares with the percentage at the corresponding date in 1926?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Betterton)At 21st February, 1927, 12.6 per cent, of insured persons classified as belonging to the lace industry were recorded as unemployed, as compared with 16.5 per cent. at 22nd February, 1926.
§ Mr. KELLYHas the right hon. Gentleman any record of the number of lace workers who have left the industry altogether?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI am not sure. If the hon. Member will put a question down, I will give him what information I have.
§ Miss LAWRENCEHas the hon. Gentleman any information with regard to the uninsured workers in the lace trade —the lace-finishing operatives?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI am not sure to what class of worker the hon. Member is referring.
§ Miss LAWRENCEI am asking whether the Minister can give any information as to the state of employment among uninsured workers in the lace trade —the outworkers.
§ Mr. BETTERTONPerhaps the hon. Member will put that question down. I could not answer it without notice.