§ 78. Mr. KELLYasked the Minister of Labour the number of men and women registered as unemployed cotton trade workers in August, September, and October, 1928?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Betterton)As the reply includes a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the reply:
§ Mr. AMMONHave instructions been given that these newcomers are to be given preference over the ordinary workers in the building trade who are on the unemployment list, and, if so, what justification is there for that?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThe justification can be argued in the course of the debate. My right hon. Friend and the Government think that it is justified.
§ Mr. BRIANTIn the event of miners being transferred to London, what arrangements are made for their housing In view of the fact that South London is already grossly overcrowded, what possible object can there be in aggravating the present position?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThat question does not strictly arise out of the answer, but it can be fully dealt with in debate. These men so transferred are not in any way stranded in London.
§ Mr. BETTERTONI have looked into each of the cases that have been brought to my notice when it has been suggested that they have been stranded, and in the great majority of cases I find that there was no justification whatever for the suggestion.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThis does not strictly arise out of the question.