HC Deb 13 March 1933 vol 275 cc1605-6
37. Mr. LEWIS

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of members of trade unions in Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the year 1920 and the year 1930, respectively?

The MINISTER of LABOUR (Sir. Henry Betterton)

The total membership of all trade unions in Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the end of 1920 was about 8,339,000; at the end of 1930 it was about 4,824,000.

Mr. THORNE

Do these figures refer only to trade unionists who were registered, or do they take into account trade unionists who are not registered?

Sir H. BETTERTON

I am not quite sure; I think only to registered trade unionists. Perhaps the hon. Member will put the question down.

Mr. GRENFELL

Do these figures show the number of trade unionists who have fallen out of employment?

Sir H. BETTERTON

Again, the hon. Member must be good enough to put the question down.

Mr. HICKS

Is it not the case that the large number of trade unionists in 1920 was due to the introduction of industries during the period of the War?

Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMS

Is not this largely the result of the failure of the policy of the general strike?