§ 31. Mr. LUNNasked the Minister of Labour the reason for the increase of registered unemployed persons at the 191 Wakefield Employment Exchange from 5,147 in June, 1929, to 9,311 in June, 1934; and whether the Government have any proposals to put forward for providing work which will reduce the number?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. R. S. Hudson)The increase which occurred between June, 1929, and June, 1934, in the number of unemployed persons registering at the Wakefield Employment Exchange was mainly due to increased unemployment in the coal mining and woollen and worsted industries. As regards the second part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him yesterday by my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. LUNNCan the hon. Member tell me what there is in that reply which is going to provide work for people who are out of employment?
§ Mr. PIKECan my hon. Friend say what effect the Parliamentary representation has upon employment in the area?
§ Mr. BOULTONCan my hon. Friend state how the level of unemployment in June, 1934, compares with that of 1931, when the Labour Government were in office; and, further, what has been the recent course of unemployment in Wakefield?
§ Mr. HUDSONThe figures for June, 1931, were 9,187. I am glad to say that the figure now is just over 7,000.
§ Mr. T. SMITHCan the hon. Gentleman say what the Government are doing to deal with the problem of unemployment in the coal-mining industry?
§ Mr. HUDSONThe figures I have read, showing a drop in the last three months, are themselves evidence of what has been done.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs it not the case that the Labour Government was a minority Government, and that the present Government is a majority Government?