§ 36. Mr. H. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Labour the increase in the number of persons registered in the building industry between 1st July, 1926, and 1st July, 1927, together with the increase in the number actually at work on both dates?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThe estimated number of insured persons classi- 1022 fied as belonging to the building trade in Great Britain was 833,940 at July, 1927, as compared with 789,560 at July, 1926. The number of such workers recorded as unemployed at 20th June, 1927, was 52,112, as compared with 68,191 at 21st June, 1926. There was thus an increase in the numbers in employment of approximately 60,000.
§ 38. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Labour how many building operatives were registered as unemployed on 1st May and 10th November, or the latest date for which figures are available?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDAt 24th October last, 93,190 persons in Great Britain classified as belonging to the building industry were recorded as unemployed, as compared with 58,465 at 25th April, 1927.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSHow far does the right hon. Gentleman attribute this increase in unemployment to the change in housing policy in this country?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDPerhaps the hon. Member will put any questions on that point to the Minister of Health,, but, to prevent misunderstanding, I should say that more than half—about five-eighths—in many cases of those who are recorded as unemployed do not belong to the ordinary five or six skilled categories of building labour which most people generally class under that term.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware—
§ Mr. SPEAKERI really must ask hon. Members to consider their colleagues.
§ 48. Mr. BUCHANANasked the Minister of Labour the total number of unemployed building workers in Glasgow at present and the number of craftsmen included in that number?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDAt 24th October the number of insured workpeople in the building trade in the Glasgow area recorded as unemployed was 2,450. I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement analysing this figure by occupations.
§ Following is the statement:
| Insured workpeople in the building trade in the Glasgow area* recorded as unemployed at 24th October, 1927: | |
| Occupation. | Number. |
| Carpenters | 104 |
| Bricklayers | 11 |
| Masons (including monumental masons) | 140 |
| Slaters | 18 |
| Plasterers | 10 |
| Painters | 557 |
| Plumbers | 134 |
| Labourers to above | 677 |
| All other occupations | 799 |
| Total | 2,450 |
| * Area comprises: Bridgeton, Finnieston, Glasgow, Glasgow (south side), Govan, Kinning Park, Kirkintilloch,, Maryhill, Parkhead, Partick, Rutherglen and Springburn. |
§ 49. Mr. BUCHANANasked the Minister of Labour the total number of unemployed building workers in England at present and the number for the same period last year?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThe number of insured workpeople classified as belonging to the building trade in England recorded as unemployed at 24th October, 1927, was 79,314 as compared with 72,754 at 25th October, 1926.
§ 66. Mr. STEPHENasked the Minister of Labour how many plasterers are registered as at present unemployed in Glasgow?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDAt 24th October last nine plasterers were recorded as unemployed in the building trade in the Glasgow area.