§ 34. Mr. GEORGE HALLasked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed colliery workers in South Wales and Monmouthshire; and the number in the following age groups: below 21 years of age, 21 to 30, 31 to 40, 41 to 50, 51 to 60, 61 to 70, and over 70?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDAt 21st February, 1927, there were 63,147 insured persons classified as belonging to the coal mining industry recorded as unemployed, including those temporarily stood off, in South Wales and Monmouthshire. Statistics giving the distribution of these workers among various age groups are not available.
§ Mr. HALLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that statistics are available in some of the Unemployment Exchanges —some have been supplied to me—and I should like to get a complete record for the whole of South Wales and Monmouthshire.
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI will certainly make inquiry. The information I have given the hon. Member is all I have at my disposal.
§ Mr. PALINGCan the right hon. Gentleman say how these figures compare with the number of miners employed before the stoppage?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI cannot say.
§ Mr. MORRISCan the right hon. Gentleman say what proportion of the men unemployed are below 21 years of age?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDNo, I cannot.