HC Deb 22 January 1931 vol 247 c332
9. Mr. HANNON

asked the Minister of Labour whether she can give the most recent figures relating to unemployment in the iron and steel trades?

Miss BONDFIELD

At 22nd December, 1930, the number of insured persons classified as belonging to pig iron manufacture, steel melting, iron puddling and iron and steel rolling and forging, recorded as unemployed in Great Britain was 99,375 or 49.0 per cent. of the numbers insured. Of this total, 44,036 or 21.7 per cent. were wholly unemployed and 55,339 or 27.3 per cent. were temporarily stopped.

Mr. HANNON

That is a terrible statement. [HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"] May I ask the right hon. Lady, in view of the appalling figure which she has just given to the House in connection with the iron and steel trades, whether the Government have any policy of any sort, kind, or description?

Mr. R. A. TAYLOR

How does that figure compare with the number of unemployed in protected America and protected Germany in those particular trades?

Major BEAUMONT THOMAS

Will the right hon. Lady remember that a demand has been made from this House—

Mr. SPEAKER

Mr. Hannon.