§ 14. Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOXasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that, apart from the men attending the Slough training centre, the number of adult males unemployed in Slough and district has increased by over five times in the last nine months, she will discontinue transfers to this district?
§ Miss BONDFIELDAlthough there has been an increase in the unemployment in this district, the percentage of men unemployed in March was not more than about 7 per cent. and the average over the past 12 months, which is the basis normally adopted in administering the transfer policy, was below 4 per cent. I will keep a careful watch on the position, but at present I do not think this district should be excluded from the transfer arrangements.
§ Sir A. KNOXIn view of the fact that the district of Slough has absorbed no fewer than a thousand men in the last few months in transfers from depressed areas, will the right hon. Lady give it a rest and allow the local unemployed to be absorbed?
§ Miss BONDFIELDI am watching that, but Slough is a new industrial district—a new town growing up.
§ Sir A. KNOXWill fie right hon. Lady remember that, after all, Slough now has worse unemployment lit than it has ever had?
§ Miss BONDFIELDThe aspect will be carefully watched.