§ 21. Mr. LUNNasked the Minister of Labour the number of miners unemployed in Yorkshire on the 14th May, 1927, or on the latest date approaching the 14th May?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Sir Arthur Steel-Maitland)At 25th April, 1927, the latest date for which figures are available, 32,048 persons classified as belonging to the coal-mining industry were recorded as unemployed in Yorkshire, including 25,650 temporarily stopped from the service of their employers.
§ Mr. LUNNIf I put down a question, could the right hon. Gentleman give the figures of the many thousands of men in the mining industry in Yorkshire who are working short time? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the passing of the Eight Hours Act has reduced the standard of life considerably in thousands of homes in Yorkshire?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDIn regard to the figures of those working short time, I have given the hon. Member all the information in my possession in the answer. Those who were working on the Monday when the count was taken would be regarded as employed. Those who were working short time and not working on the Monday would; be among those who were taken as not employed. As regards the latter part of the question, it does not arise out of the main question.