HC Deb 20 February 1930 vol 235 c1550
7. Mr. BUCHANAN

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of building trade workers now out of work and the same figures a year ago?

Miss BONDFIELD

At 27th January, 1930, the number of insured persons, aged 16 to 64, classified as belonging to the building industry, recorded as unemployed in Great Britain was 149,403 as compared with 159,219 at 21st January, 1929.

Mr. McSHANE

Will the right hon. Lady consider the advisability of sending out a circular to local authorities in view of the continuing housing shortage, asking them to do all in their power to absorb these unemployed building trade workers?

Miss BONDFIELD

That question should be addressed to the Minister of Health.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Cannot the right hon. Lady ask her colleague to get on with the Slum Clearance Bill at once?