HC Deb 09 March 1933 vol 275 cc1320-1
14. Mr. PRICE

asked the Minister of Labour if he can state the estimated number of persons between the ages of 18 and 21 now unemployed?

15. Mr. CAPE

asked the Minister of Labour if he can state the estimated number of juveniles between the ages of 14 and 18 now unemployed?

Sir H. BETTERTON

At 20th February, 1933, there were 134,280 juveniles aged 14 to 17 inclusive, and 248,408 persons, aged 18 to 20 inclusive, on the registers of employment exchanges in Great Britain.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Is it not apparent to the Minister that it is an indictment against the present system, that you have all these young people from 14 to 20 years of age and that there is no room for them?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a matter of opinion.

Colonel GOODMAN

In view of the enormous figures and the need for reduction, will my right hon. Friend consider legislation being introduced to restrict the hours of labour of thousands of boys and girls who are at present working from 60 to 80 hours a week?

Sir H. BETTERTON

That raises a question with which I could not possibly deal in answer to a supplementary Question.

5. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give an estimate of the reduction of registered employed owing to legislative and administrative changes at the latest possible date; and whether this figure has been below 170,000 at any time since September, 1932?

Sir H. BETTERTON

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 27th October, 1932, to a question on this subject by the hon. Member for Aberdare (Mr. G. Hall).