HC Deb 15 June 1927 vol 207 cc993-4
20. Colonel DAY

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has received a resolution passed by the Southwark Board of Guardians containing a series of proposals for dealing with the unemployment problem; and whether he will consider the introduction of legislation to give effect to any of the suggestions contained in this resolution?

The MINISTER of LABOUR (Sir Arthur Steel-Maitland)

I have received a copy of a resolution passed by the Southwark Board of Guardians in which it is suggested that the Government should promote legislation authorising the establishment of national factories and farms, and of municipal workshops. I regret that I cannot support such proposals.

Colonel DAY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are 10,000 people in the borough of Southwark on outdoor relief? Has the Ministry no schemes for the purpose of relieving unemployment?

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise out of the question.

Mr. LANSBURY

Is there any reason why the right hon. Gentleman should not extend the workshops and the colonies on the land that he has already started? Why cannot they be very considerably extended?

TABLE showing the Number and Percentage of Insured Persons recorded as Unemployed in Great Britain at various dates, in the Cotton, Woollen and Worsted, and Silk Textile Industries.
Industry 24th March, 1924. 23rd March, 1925. 22nd March, 1926. 21st March, 1927.
Numbers Unemployed Percentage. Numbers Unemployed Percentage. Numbers Unemployed Percentage. Numbers Unemployed Percentage.
Cotton 88,562 15.6 40,420 7.1 55,580 9.7 34,297 5.9
Woollen and Worsted 13,586 5.1 36,146 13.9 26,069 10.2 23,720 9.4
Silk*(including artificial silk). 2,741 7.4 3,313 8.0 4,063 8.7 3,959 7.7
* Separate figures for the artificial silk industry are not available.
Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

Finance.

Mr. LANSBURY

Will the right hon. Gentleman, in considering the question of finance, also consider the burden on local authorities?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I have done so.