§ 72. Viscount WOLMERasked the Lord Privy Seal how many women it is estimated will find employment under the schemes he has recently announced?
§ The LORD PRIVY SEAL (Mr. J. H. Thomas)In view of the nature of the trades in which such unemployment as exists among women is found, the benefit which they derive from works instituted with Government assistance must necessarily be in the main through increased employment indirectly resulting from such works. In these circumstances no estimate of the numbers affected is possible.
§ Viscount WOLMERDoes the right hon. Gentleman mean to say that in his plans he has not considered trying to give employment to any definite number of women?
§ Mr. J. JONESCan my right hon. Friend say how many old women have found an opportunity of debating unemployment?
§ Mr. THOMASI have no knowledge of the number. In answer to the first supplementary question, it is not true to say no work is contemplated. The answer clearly points out that it must be through increased employment indirectly.
§ Viscount WOLMERThe right hon. Gentleman has no idea of the number?
§ Mr. THOMASTo give any specific number would be misleading.
§ Sir GEORGE PENNYHow many will be directly employed?
§ Mr. THOMASI have already indicated that I cannot give the number, but it is bound to be more than under your Government.