§ 21. Mr. SHINWELLasked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed mine-workers registered as such; and whether the Government have any plan for their absorption into employment?
§ Mr. E. BROWNThe numbers of insured persons aged 16–64 in the coal-mining industry classification recorded as unemployed in Great Britain at 20th January, 1936, the latest date for which figures are available, were 164,967 wholly unemployed and 18,181 temporarily stopped. The policy of the Government has throughout been directed to the only effectual means of reducing unemployment, that is, by assisting in every possible way the recovery of trade and industry in this country The measure of success which has attended this policy is shown by the fact that the numbers of insured persons in employment in all industries increased between January, 1933, and January, 1936, by 1,084,000.
§ Mr. SHINWELLIs not the hon. Gentleman aware that in addition to the 621 registered unemployed in the coal industry, there is a vast number of other persons unemployed, and have the Government no plans for their absorption into employment at an early date?
§ Mr. SHINWELLDo we understand that the Government have no plans in contemplation beyond what has already been done?
§ Mr. BROWNWe cannot debate that now, and I cannot be responsible for what the bon. Gentleman understands.
§ Mr. T. SMITHHas the hon. Gentleman any information with regard to the new proposals for the coal industry mentioned by the Lord President?
§ Mr. H. G. WILLIAMSCan the Minister say how many of these men have lost their work owing to the operation of the Coal Mines Act, 1930?