§ 25. Mr. GLOSSOPasked the Minister of Labour if he will state the number of persons employed in the newsprint mills in this country, together with the number of persons unemployed; and similar figures for the whole of the paper-milling industry in this country?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONIt is estimated that, at July, 1931, there were 56,640 insured persons, aged 16 to 64, in the paper and paper board industry classification in Great Britain. Of this number, 6,753 were recorded as unemployed at 26th October, 1931. Separate figures are not available in respect of the manufacture of newsprint.
§ Mr. GLOSSOPIn view of the number of unemployed in this industry, would not a restriction of the imports of newsprint from foreign countries have a beneficial effect upon the industry of this country?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONThat is not a question to be addressed to me.