§ 20. Mr. LUNNasked the Minister of Labour if he can state the number of 663 miners and other workers in the mining industry who were unemployed on 9th June, 1927, and the numbers working short time in the industry throughout Great Britain at the same date?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Betterton)At 23rd May, 1927, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 211,401 insured persons, classified as belonging to the coal mining industry recorded as unemployed in Great Britain, including 100,270 who were temporarily stopped from the service of their employers. Separate statistics showing the total numbers working short time on that date are not available. Persons on short time with claims to unemployment benefit who were not at work on 23rd May, are included in the numbers recorded as temporarily stopped.
§ Mr. LUNNAre the Government doing anything with regard to the reorganisation of this industry to find work for some of the 211,000 people who are unemployed?
§ Mr. BETTERTONIf the hon. Member will look at the OFFICIAL REPORT of the Debate on the Adjournment, when the matter was raised, he will see that we are doing our best to carry into immediate effect the provisions of Section 18 of the Act of 1924.
§ Mr. BATEYIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that since the Adjournment the mining industry has got worse and worse and that there is urgent need for the Government to do something they have not done up to the moment?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI am aware that the position of the mining industry is serious. How far it has got worse in the last 10 days I am not in a position to say, but I accept the hon. Member's statement.