HC Deb 13 March 1929 vol 226 cc1116-7
29. Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOX

asked the Minister of Labour what number of local workers and of men from other districts, respectively, have been found employment by the Slough Employment Exchange since the 1st January; and what number of local workers are still unemployed?

Mr. BETTERTON

During the nine weeks ended 4th March, 1929, 268 local workers (including 205 men) and 103 men from other Employment Exchange districts have been found employment through the Slough Employment Ex-change. At 4th March, 1929, there were 478 men and 14 women on the registers of that Exchange. These figures include a substantial number of workers temporarily stood off from their employment owing to severe weather conditions.

Sir A. KNOX

Does not the hon. Member think that it would be better to postpone further transfers until the local unemployed are absorbed?

Mr. BETTERTON

I would point out that the insured population is not less than 9,000, and that at the end of 1928 unemployment in Slough was only just over 2 per cent.

Mr. BECKETT

Can the hon. Member say what proportion of the 400 unemployed are receiving unemployment relief?

Mr. BETTERTON

No, I cannot.