HC Deb 24 March 1927 vol 204 c558
61. Major RUGGLES-BRISE

asked the President of the Board of Trade what changes have occurred in the prices of British artificial silk yarn since the silk duties were imposed in July, 1925?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Burton Chadwick)

The prices of artificial silk yarns generally were not increased in 1925, and during 1926 there was a fall in prices which is estimated at from 15 per cent. to 20 per cent.

65. Major RUGGLES-BRISE

asked the Minister of Labour if he has any in formation regarding the increase in the number of people employed in the silk and artificial silk manufacture since July, 1925?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Betterton)

At July, 1925, the number of insured workpeople classified as belonging to the silk and artificial silk industry in Great Britain was 46,890 as compared with 51,210 at July, 1926, giving an increase of 4,320. I regret that figures for later dates are not available.

66. Major RUGGLES-BRISE

asked the Minister of Labour what is the percentage of wholly unemployed people in the silk and artificial silk industry; and how this compares with the corresponding figure for industry as a whole?

Mr. BETTERTON

At 21st February, 1927, the percentage of insured workpeople in the silk and artificial silk industry recorded as wholly unemployed was 3.6. The corresponding figure for all insured industries was 8.8.