§ 25. Mr. H. WILLIAMSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that, during the six months ended 30th September, 1934, the retained imports of manufactures other than non-ferrous metals, and oils, fats, and resins were £7,817,000 greater than in the corresponding period of last year; whether he is aware that, during the six months ended 21st October, 1933, unemployment in Great Britain declined by 398,881, whereas during the same period of this year the decrease has been only 28,560; and whether, in these circumstances, he is prepared to take steps to restrict further the increase of competitive manufactures in the interests of the employment of the British workpeople?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)I am aware of the increased imports to which my hon. Friend refers. While I cannot agree that the statistics of imports and of employment are so clearly related as he suggests, I would point out that there are 279,000 more insured persons in employment to-day than there were a year ago. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer to the reply which was given to him and other hon. Members on 31st July.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSDo these statistics of increased employment refer to persons in the manufacturing industries?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIt covers all industries.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSCan the right hon. Gentleman give the figures for the manufacturing industries alone?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANNo, I am afraid I could not do that.