HC Deb 12 December 1928 vol 223 cc2106-7
32. Mr. KELLY

asked the Minister of Labour whether his Department have prepared an estimate of the number of unemployed in the woollen textile trade, with the cost to the industry?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

As the reply is somewhat long, I will, if I may, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. MACKINDER

Can the right hon. Gentleman state how many people have been transferred into distressed areas from other distressed areas?

Following is the reply:

At 26th November, 1928, 33,901 insured persons classified as belonging to the woollen and worsted textile industry were recorded as unemployed in Great Britain. Of this number, 11,266 were wholly unemployed and 22,635 were temporarily stopped. By "the cost to the industry" I understand the hon. Member means the amount of unemployment insurance contributions paid. No separate record is kept of contributions in respect of particular industries. A rough estimate can, however, be made in respect of the year ended 31st March, 1928, on the assumption that the payment of contributions was at the same average per head as for all insured trades taken together, due allowance being made for the rate of unemployment and the proportion of women and juveniles. On this basis it is estimated that during the year ended 31st March, 1928, the unemployment insurance contributions paid by employers in the woollen and worsted textile industry amounted to approximately £240,000, and that the contributions by insured persons amounted to approximately £294,000.