HOSIERY AND LACE WORKERS.

HC Deb 17 May 1934 vol 289 cc1915-7

4 and 5. Mr. CAPORN

asked the Minister of Labour (1) how many persons registered as hosiery workers were employed and unemployed, respectively, at or about the end of April in each of the four years ending 1934, and

(2) how many persons registered as lace workers were employed and unemployed, respectively, at or about the end of April in each of the four years ending 1934?

Sir H. BETTERTON

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

Mr. CAPORN

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the figures show a rise in employment for the period in 1932 and a fall in the same period of 1933?

Sir H. BETTERTON

Yes, Sir.

Mr. CAPORN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that during the first period the import duties in the case of hosiery were 50 per cent. and in the latter 20 per cent., and will he direct the attention of his Cabinet colleagues to the significance of these figures?

Following is the reply :

Sir H. BETTERTON

Part I of the Bill will come into operation generally one month after it is passed, but (a) Clause 5, which restores the benefit rates, will take effect on 1st July, (b) Clause 17, which provides for the establishment of the Statutory Committee, will come into operation on the passing of the Bill, (c) Clause 18, which deals with Treasury advances to the Unemployment Fund, will come into operation on 1st July if Part I is not then generally in operation, (d) Clause 1, which lowers the age for entry into insurance, will come into operation on 3rd September, unless some earlier date is appointed by order. No statement can yet be made as regards the appointed days under Part II of the Bill.

Mr. HOLDSWORTH

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he expects the Bill to have passed through the other House?

Sir H. BETTERTON

I should hope about the third week in June. That is the date which I have in mind.