HC Deb 09 March 1933 vol 275 cc1322-3
18. Mr. GEORGE HALL

asked the Minister of Labour whether there is any special explanation of the fact that the number of wholly unemployed persons in the Wales division has increased from 162,790 in January, 1932, to 188,613 in January last?

Sir H. BETTERTON

This increase is principaly due to a further reduction of employment in the coal-mining industry.

Mr. HALL

Is the right hon. Baronet aware that the reduction in employment is very largely due to restrictions imposed upon our coal exports by countries with whom we are engaged in fiscal warfare?

Sir H. BETTERTON

I could not discuss that in answer to a question, certainly not without notice. It is, of course, true that the third 1,000,000 tons of coal under the Italian agreement has not been delivered. That is one contributory cause.

Mr. HALL

Is the right hon. Baronet aware that that will only account for about 4,000 men, and can he give any intimation when orders from this 1,000,000 tons will be placed?

Sir H. BETTERTON

No, Sir.

10. Mr. G. HALL (for Mr. DAVID GRENFELL)

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the number of unemployed persons who have been transferred from the Wales division since 1921, and the relative numbers of people on the register for all occupations in South Wales in 1921 and 1932, respectively?

Sir H. BETTERTON

Statistics are not available regarding the numbers of unemployed persons transferred from the Wales division since 1921. The average number of unemployed persons on the registers of Employment Exchanges in the counties of Brecon, Carmarthen, Glamorgan, Monmouth, and Pembroke were 79,487 in 1921, and 200,256 in 1932.

Mr. HALL

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the figures of those who have been transferred under the schemes initiatd by the Ministry of Labour?

Sir H. BETTERTON

I could not say without notice, but, if the hon. Gentleman will put a question on the Paper, I will certainly give him the information if I can.

11. Mr. G. HALL (for Mr. D. GRENFELL)

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the amount of difference between the money value of the determinations of claims for transitional benefit in the Wales division from November, 1931, to the latest available date, and the amount which would have been paid in these claims at the ordinary rate of benefit?

Sir H. BETTERTON

I will consider whether it is possible to furnish this information and will write to the hon. Member.