HC Deb 08 May 1929 vol 227 cc2167-9
7. Captain FRASER

asked the Minister of Labour what was the number of insured persons in the London area in the calendar year 1924 and in the calendar year 1928; the number and percentage of insured persons recorded as unemployed in the London area in 1924 and 1928; does the Camden Town Exchange more or less accurately coincide with the area of the Borough of St. Pancras; and, if so, what was the number and percentage of insured persons recorded as unemployed at this Exchange in 1924 and in 1928?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Betterton)

It is estimated that at July, 1924, there were 1,956,000 insured persons aged 16 to 64 in the London area, as compared with 2,147,000 at July, 1928. During the calendar year 1924 the average number of insured persons recorded as unemployed in the same area was 179,920, or 8.9 per cent., as compared with 118,081, or 5.6 per cent. in 1928. A recent analysis has shown that the number of persons on the registers of the Camden Town Employment Exchange approximates very closely to the number of persons unemployed who are resident in the Borough of St. Pancras. In 1924 there was an average of 5,131 insured persons recorded as unemployed at the Camden Town Exchange, or 10 per cent. of the estimated numbers insured, as compared with 2,827, or 5.2 per cent., in 1928.

Captain FRASER

Can my hon. Friend say whether, in considering the comparisons which arise out of these figures, any allowance should be made for the number of men who might have come off the register as a result of the Government's action?

Mr. BETTERTON

It is probable that in London about 2,000 persons came off as a result of the powers of the Minister which were exercised in 1925, but that is more than offset by the larger number which came on in consequence of the provisions of the Act of 1927.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Is it possible for the hon. Gentleman to discriminate between the increase or decrease of productive workers and distributive workers in the area referred to in the question?

Mr. BETTERTON

I certainly could not give any estimates without notice, but if the hon. Gentleman will put the question down, I will do my best to give him an answer.

Mr. HANNON

Do not these figures now indicate that we have practically returned to the normal condition of employment in the London area?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member should give notice of that question.

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