HC Deb 20 February 1930 vol 235 cc1559-60
10. Mr. REMER

asked the Minister of Labour how many people were unemployed in the silk and artificial silk industries on the 1st December, 1929, and how many on the 1st February, 1930, respectively?

Miss BONDFIELD

The number of insured persons, aged 16 to 64, classified as belonging to the silk and artificial silk industry group, recorded as unemployed in Great Britain at 27th January, 1930, was 14,055, as compared with 8,730 at 25th November, 1929.

Mr. REMER

In view of the uncertainty in these industries, will the right hon. Lady pass these figures on to the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

12. Mr. C. WILLIAMS

asked the Minister of Labour if there are any signs of improvement in the numbers employed in the artificial silk trade; and if employment is increasing or decreasing in this trade?

Miss BONDFIELD

Until last autumn there had been, for some years, a steady increase in the number of persons employed in the silk and artificial silk industry group, but during the past three months there has been a heavy increase in the numbers of insured persons in the industry recorded as unemployed. At 27th January, 1930, the percentage rate of unemployment was 19.1 as compared with 9.4 at 21st October, 1929. I am unable to say how far this increase in unemployment is likely to be temporary.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Can the right hon. Lady say why this trade, which was so prosperous 12 months ago, is now getting worse, and is she taking any steps to remedy it; further, has she any idea that the Chancellor's not very wise statements—[Interruption.]

Sir GEORGE HAMILTON

Will the right hon. Lady send a copy of her reply to the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

Miss BONDFIELD

Hon. Members might do that themselves.

Mr. REMER

Is the right hon. Lady aware that at this time last year there was no unemployment worth talking about in Macclesfield, and will she take steps to see by what means this matter can be remedied?

Miss BONDFIELD

These unemployment figures are being watched with the greatest anxiety and attention by my Department.

Mr. WILLIAMS

What, is the right hon. Lady doing?

Mr. HAMMERSLEY

Does not the right hon. Lady realise that it is well known in the textile industry that this temporary depression in the artificial silk industry has been caused by the uncertainty of the position?

Miss BONDFIELD

That is entirely a matter of opinion.