HC Deb 07 December 1933 vol 283 cc1800-2
5. Mr. HALL-CAINE

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make inquiries as to the number of actors, actresses, musicians, and other theatrical employes now out of work and as to how this number has increased during the past live years; and whether, in future, he will arrange a separate category for such per

The statistics compiled by my Department show that the numbers of unemployed men and women on the registers of employment exchanges, who were applicants for work in the occupations named below, have been as follows:
Date. Actor and actresses. Musicians. Other theatre, music hall and cinema employés
January, 1929* … … 570 843 1,324
October, 1929 … … 923 1,481 1,298
October, 1930 … … 1,825 3,417 2,452
October, 1931 … … 2,662 4,451 3,491
October, 1932 … … 1,823 3,304 3,252
October, 1933 … … 1,849 2,974 3,737
Separate figures are not available for any date earlier that January, 1929.
In the statistics of unemployment in the various industries, published each month in the Ministry of Labour Gazette, these persons are included in the group "Entertainments and Sports." The industry classification includes, however, all insured persons, irrespective of occupation, employed by, or whose last employment prior to July of each year was with employers in the "Entertainments and Sports" group as a whole and it would not be practicable to compile separate statistics on this basis for the various occupations concerned.
6. Mr. HALL-CAINE

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that, despite the general decrease in unemployment during the past 12 months, the percentage of persons unemployed in the entertainments group has risen from 24.3 to 24.6; and whether he will investigate to what extent this increased percentage is due to the closing of theatres or their conversion to cinemas, with a view to seeking a remedy of the matter?

Mr. HUDSON

The statistics of employment and unemployment among insured persons in the "Entertainments and Sports" classification show that at 23rd October, 1933, the percentage rate of unemployment among insured males in Great Britain was 23.3 as compared with 24.3 at 24th October, 1932. During the period of 12 months the number of insured males in employment in that group increased by about 6,600. In these circumstances my right hon. Friend does not propose to undertake the investigation suggested by my hon. Friend.

Mr. PIKE

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that much of this unemployment is sons in the Ministry of Labour statistics in order that it may be possible to have an official record of unemployment in the British theatrical and musical industries?

Mr. HUDSON

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

Following is the statement:

due entirely to the imposition of the Entertainments Duty?

Mr. HUDSON

I have said that the number of insured Males in employment during the period mentioned has increased by 6,600.