§ 19. Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEasked the Minister of Labour whether he will give the numbers on the unemployment register for Leicester for the month of October for each of the years 1924 to 1928 inclusive, and for the last month available; and the numbers of unemployed in the boot and shoe industry for Great Britain and Northern Ireland for the same months?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDAs 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. HORE-BELISHAWill the right hon. Gentleman say what agriculture is carried on in this urban area?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI can make inquiry if the hon. Member wishes.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSWhat steps are taken to follow up the cases of these mine workers? The right hon. Gentleman spoke of opportunities for work having been noted.
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI think that same point arises in the hon. Member's question.
§ Mr. DAYIs it not a fact that in certain cases persons have been thrown out of positions so that work can be given to these men who have been transferred?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDNo, Sir. There was one isolated case which 865 occurred some months ago, which was due to a mistake and was immediately put right. As far as I know, no other such case has occurred at all.
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI think it was in the West of England, but I cannot charge my memory with it three or four months afterwards.
§ Mr. DAYIf I send the right hon. Gentleman particulars of similar cases in the borough of Southwark, will he make inquiries?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDYes.
§ Mr. MARDY JONESIs it not a fact that these miners who have been transferred have no desire to prevent anybody else getting employment?
§ 22. Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the Minister of Labour whether his Department receives a Report of the work that has been provided for miners transferred to any particular area; whether his Department retains an interest in the miners so transferred; whether he has received any such Reports concerning miners transferred to Devonport and Plymouth; and if he will communicate the nature thereof?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThe local offices of the Department endeavour, as far as it practicable, to keep in touch with transferees and are ready to assist them where necessary. Reports are not usually called for, except when difficulties arise; but I have received a general report with regard to the Plymouth and Devonport area which indicates that no special difficulties have arisen.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAWill the right hon. Gentleman say what arrangements are made by his Department for the housing of these miners, particularly in view of the fact that in many areas, such as Devonport and Plymouth, the congestion is already extremely great?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDOf course, this does not arise out of the question, but, as far as I know, in this area, and I think it applies generally, we do endeavour to find houses, so that there shall be proper accommodation for them when they come.