HC Deb 11 July 1932 vol 268 cc893-4
Mr. T. WILLIAMS (by Private Notice)

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the latest figures with respect to unemployment?

Mr. HUDSON

The latest published figures are those for 23rd May, and in the ordinary course my right hon. Friend would be reluctant to depart from the established practice according to which the statistics for the end of June are due to be published, with full explanatory details, to-morrow morning. In view of to-night's Debate, however, he has had some of the main figures specially taken out, but would ask hon. Members to consult also the full details as published to-morrow.

Between 23rd May and 27th June the numbers of persons wholly unemployed and casuals on the registers fell by 51,677, and those temporarily stopped rose by 57,714. There was thus a net increase of 6,037, in a total register of 2,747,343 on 27th June. The increase was chiefly due to reduced employment in coal mining, in which the number unemployed increased by nearly 87,000, of whom over 82,000 were temporarily stopped. In a number of other industries there was some improvement.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Would the hon. Gentleman be good enough to repeat from what date the 87,000 extra coal miners have been rendered unemployed?

Mr. HUDSON

Between the 23rd May and the 27th June—in a month.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Are we to understand that in one month 87,000 mine workers have been rendered unemployed?

Mr. HUDSON

Temporarily stopped. I have not seen a full account and explanation, but it is possibly due to the account having been taken on 27th June, practically the last day of the quarter.

Mr. WILLIAMS

In view of this colossal tragedy to the mining industry, will the Department make representations to the Prime Minister on the adverse effect on the mining industry of the Import Duties policy?

Major The Marquess of TITCHFIELD

Can my hon. Friend say how this increase compares with the increase at this time last year?

Mr. HUDSON

The exact dates are not comparable, because the corresponding day in May was Whit Monday, but for the nearest corresponding dates from the 1st June to 29th June—four weeks—the increase last year was 35,000.

Mr. GODFREY NICHOLSON

Can the hon. Gentleman say what was the increase of unemployment in Northumberland and Durham among miners?

Mr. HUDSON

Perhaps my hon. Friend will look at the figures to-morrow morning.