HC Deb 25 February 1932 vol 262 cc526-7
1. Mr. McGOVERN

asked the Minister of Labour the number of building trade workers who are unemployed; the numbers and trades of each section; and the amount of unemployment benefit paid each week?

The MINISTER of LABOUR (Sir Henry Betterton)

As the reply includes a table of figures I will, if I may, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the statement:

Insured persons in the building industry classification recorded as unemployed in Great Britain at 25th January, 1932.

Occupation. Number.
Carpenters … 37,452
Bricklayers … 21,630
Masons … 5,390
Slaters and Tilers … 1,797
Plasterers … 7,825
Painters … 57,450
Plumbers … 9,009
Labourers to above … 72,028
All other occupations … 61,206
Total … 273,787

Accounts are not kept of benefit or transitional payments paid in separate trades, but assuming that the average rates for men and boys apply to this trade, the approximate total cost would be £215,000 for the week.

12. Mr. HICKS

asked the Minister of Labour if he will state what is the total amount of unemployment and transitional benefit paid to unemployed building trade operatives and public works employés respectively, for the three months ended 31st January, 1932?

Sir H. BETTERTON

Accounts are not kept of the amount paid in separate trades, but assuming that the average rates for men and boys apply to building trade operatives and public works employés, the total amount of insurance benefit and transitional payments for the period mentioned would be £2,595,000 for building trade operatives, and £1,017,000 for public works employés.

Mr. HICKS

In view of the colossal figures of the unemployed in the building trade—they are well over 400,000—does the Minister not consider it necessary to report the matter to the Government and see if something cannot be done to facilitate the provision of work?

Sir H. BETTERTON

Of course, the Government are well aware of the position in the building trade. As to the second part of the supplementary question, I really cannot add anything to what I have said before.