HC Deb 03 December 1936 vol 318 cc1412-3
30. Colonel CLIFTON BROWN

asked the Minister of Labour what is the present percentage of unemployment for Halt-whistle and Jarrow, respectively?

Mr. E. BROWN

The number of insured persons, aged 16–64, recorded as unemployed at 26th October, 1936, at the Haltwhistle Employment Exchange represented 41.4 per cent. of the estimated total number insured of those ages in the area of that Exchange at July, 1935. The corresponding figure for the Jarrow and Hebburn Employment Exchange was 31.1 per cent. Comparable figures for Jarrow alone are not available.

Colonel BROWN

May I take it from that answer that the position of Halt-whistle is far worse than that of Jarrow, and will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that Haltwhistle has gone in for no spectacular methods of publicity, and will he see that there is no preferential treatment?

Mr. BROWN

My hon. and gallant Friend must realise that the percentage is not the only thing: there is also the question of the numbers concerned.

Mr. J. J. DAVIDSON

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider the fact that Haltwhistle is not represented by a Labour Member is due to lack of initiative on its own behalf?