§ 19. Sir JOHN POWERasked the Minister of Labour the number of insured persons estimated to be in employment in the month of July, 1924, and 1928, respectively, under the following classifications: coal mining, building, other productive industries, and all other industries?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThe statistics of employment and unemployment among insured persons in particular industries in 1928 relate only to persons aged 16 to 64, inclusive, and corresponding figures for 1924 are not available. In that year the statistics relating to insured persons included those aged 65 and over. It was found from an inquiry in 1926 that persons aged 65 and over represented approximately 3.2 per cent. of the total insured population at that time, but this ratio varied between different industries. Corresponding figures showing the rate of unemployment among such persons are not available in respect of the dates in question for particular industries. I will, however, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table giving such information as is available.
§ Following is the statement:
3003§ 20. Sir J. POWERasked the Minister of Labour the number of insured persons estimated to be in employment in all manufacturing industries other than motor vehicles, lace, silk, artificial silk, and musical instruments, in July, 1925, and July, 1928, respectively?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThe statistics of employment and unemployment among insured persons in particular industries in 1928 relate only to persons aged 16 to 64, inclusive, and corresponding figures for 1925 are not available. In that year the statistics relating to insured persons included those aged 65 and over. It is estimated, however, that in the group of industries referred to by my hon. Friend, the number of insured persons aged 16 to 64 in employment at July, 1925, was approximately 4,856,000 as compared with 4,972,574 at July, 1928.
§ 34. Mr. DALTONasked the Minister of Labour if he will state the number of wage earners, aged 60 to 64, inclusive, in the following industries, respectively, coal mining, shipbuilding, engineering, iron and steel, and cotton, and the corresponding figures for wage earners, aged 65 and over, in each of those industries?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI regret that statistics giving the information desired are not available.
§ Mr. DALTONIs it not possible, in view of the reply which the right hon. Gentleman gave to my right hon. Friend the Member for Bedwellty (Mr. C. Edwards) on 20th November, to subdivide the aggregate so as to show separate figures for each industry?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDNo, Sir. It is difficult to give an answer offhand. The statistics are not so kept that they can be differentiated. I think there was a special inquiry in 1926, but of such a kind that the result would no longer be of use. If the hon. Member will talk to me about the matter, I will look into it.