HC Deb 25 April 1928 vol 216 cc895-6
9. Mr. KELLY

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men and women registered as unemployed from the heavy chemical trade, also the light chemical trade, in March, 1926, 1927, and 1928, respectively

Mr. BETTERTON

The number of insured persons in Great Britain classified as belonging to the chemicals industry recorded as unemployed was 5,235 at 26th March, 1928, compared with 6,033 at 21st March, 1927, and 7,639 at 22nd March, 1926. Separate statistics distinguishing the heavy chemical industry and the light chemical industry are not available.

Mr. KELLY

Is there any record as to the districts where this considerable unemployment exists?

Mr. BETTERTON

I am not sure, without notice. If the hon. Member will pat a question down, I will give him what information we have.

Mr. KELLY

In view of the hon. Gentleman's reply that there is such a number of unemployed in the chemical trade, can he state in what districts the unemployed miners were placed in the chemical trade, as stated by his right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour?

Mr. BETTERTON

No, not without notice.

Mr. HARDIE

Have any of these transferred men been taken into the area where a plant for extracting sulphate of ammonia from the air was used?

Mr. BETTERTON

I could not say. These are all technical questions, about which we may or may not have any information. If we have, I shall be only too glad to give it to the hon. Member.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Is it not the case that this heavy chemical trade is not a trade in which women should be employed at all?