HC Deb 02 March 1927 vol 203 cc371-2
36. Mr. H. WILLIAMS

asked the Minister of Labour now the ratio of persons gainfully occupied to total population in Great Britain compares with the corresponding ratio in the United States of America, France, Germany and Italy?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

According to the latest information in my possession, the percentages and the dates to which they relate are as follow:

Year. Percentage.
Great Britain 1921 45
United States 1920 39
France 1921 56
Germany 1907 40
Italy 1011 46
It is possible that owing to differences in definition and in classification (for example, as regards farmers' relatives assisting in the work of the farms) the percentages given may not be strictly comparable. The figures are also affected by differences in the ages at which juveniles were admitted to employment at the census dates.

Mr. SHORT

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that any value can be placed on these figures at all?