HC Deb 16 November 1933 vol 281 c1091
13. Mr. ST0URT0N

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed in the building industry at the latest convenient date?

Sir H. BETTERTON

At 23rd October, 1933, there were 169,243 insured persons in the building industry classification recorded as unemployed in Great Britain.

Mr. STOURTON

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Government will take the necessary steps to set this army of unemployed building operatives to work again? Surely that would be a more practical step than leaving them to draw unemployment insurance benefit?

Sir H. BETTERTON

I am very glad to be able to inform the hon. Gentleman that the number reported as unemployed on 24th October, 1932, was 248,047, and that now the figure is down to 169,243.