HC Deb 17 June 1930 vol 240 cc32-3
47. Sir KINGSLEY WOOD

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement concerning the Government's policy in relation to the mitigation of unemployment; and whether he proposes to make any new proposals to Parliament?

The PRIME MINISTER

The right hon. Gentleman's question is not one which can be answered at this part of the House's proceedings.

Sir K. WOOD

Is the right hon. Gentleman proposing to make any general statement on this matter before long?

48. Sir K. WOOD

asked the Prime Minister whether he now proposes to set up a new unemployment committee apart from any Cabinet committee; whether other persons will be included on it in addition to Ministers; what will be its exact functions as regards policy, finance, and administration; whether its proceedings will be secret and its members have full access to all papers and documents; and what will be its relations to the Cabinet?

The PRIME MINISTER

I regret that I am unable to gather what the right hon. Gentleman has in mind, but I can say that the Government will not delegate to any committee their responsibility in matters of policy, finance and administration.

Sir K. WOOD

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly refer to the speech of

The following table shows the estimated numbers of insured persons, aged 16 to 64, classified as belonging to the Textile Trades, including Textile Printing, Dyeing, Bleaching, etc., in Great Britain who were recorded as unemployed on 26th May, 1930:—
Industry. Males. Females. Total.
Cotton 67,381 149,649 217,030
Woollen and Worsted 17,549 35,635 53,184
Silk and Artificial Silk 6,624 10,216 16,840
Linen 731 2,232 2,963
Jute 3,835 10,439 14,274
Hemp Spinning and Weaving, Rope, Cord, Twine, etc. 916 2,260 3,176
Hosiery 3,015 15,401 18,416
Lace 970 1,521 2,491
Carpets 1,017 1,962 2,979
Textile Industries not separately specified 1,297 4,844 6,141
Textile Bleaching, Printing, Dyeing, etc. 24,166 8,644 32,810