HC Deb 23 May 1928 vol 217 cc1869-70
41. Mr. RYE

asked the Minister of Labour if any separate figures are available showing the number of unemployed among operatives engaged in the manufacture of cotton hose and underwear and those in the other branches of the hosiery industry?

Mr. BETTERTON

I regret that separate statistics of unemployment in the various sections of the hosiery industry are not available. As regards the figures for the industry as a whole I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for the Melton Division of Leicester (Mr. Everard).

Mr. RYE

In view of the importance of these figures to the industry concerned, would it not be possible in future to differentiate?

Mr. BETTERTON

That question is very often asked in regard to other industries and the answer is that we have already 100 separate classifications. We consider from time to time whether my more classifications can be applied.

Mr. RYE

Does the hon. Member appreciate the fact that, in any application for safeguarding, differentiation is vitally necessary?

Mr. BETTERTON

I take it from the hon. Member that it is so, and I will certainly consider if any further differentiation can be made.