HC Deb 12 March 1936 vol 309 cc2283-4
7. Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOX

asked the Minister of Labour the average number of unemployed in each of the years 1926 to 1935?

Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEAD

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

Following is the reply

The following statement shows the average number of unemployed persons on the registers of Employment Exchanges in Great Britain in each year since 1926:

1926 1,401,891
1927 1,111,771
1928 1,231,109
1929 1,230,164
1930 1,915,237
1931 2,650,461
1932 2,744,789
1933 2,520,616
1934 2,159,231
1935 2,036,422

Mr. H. G. WILLIAMS

asked the Minister of Labour in what age group the highest and lowest percentages, respectively, of insured unemployed persons are to be found, calculating the percentages in terms of the estimated number of persons in each age group?

Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEAD

In November, 1932, the highest and lowest percentages of unemployment, as shown by the results of a sample inquiry, were among insured persons over 50 years of age, and under 21 years of age, respectively. The figures were given in detail on page 314 of the Ministry of Labour Gazette for September, 1933. Statistics of the age distribution of the insured population have not been obtained for any later date, but particulars of the ages of persons registered as unemployed at 13th May and 4th November, 1935, will be found on pages 42 and 43 of the Ministry of Labour Gazette for February, 1936.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Is there any indication of any abnormal unemployment among people who are just above the age for what are known as the blind-alley occupations?

Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEAD

I would prefer my hon. Friend to put that question down.