HC Deb 24 March 1936 vol 310 cc1064-5
90. Mr. BATEY

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the index figure of unemployment shows for December, 1934, 28.4 per cent., and for February, 1936, 33.9 per cent. at the Spennymoor Employment Exchange; and what steps the Government propose to take to remedy this increasing unemployment?

Mr. E. BROWN

The figures selected by the hon. Member do not give an accurate representation of the trend of unemployment in this area. The average index figure of unemployment for 1932 was 43.3 and that for 1935 was 32.9.

Mr. BATEY

Are we to understand that the figures quoted in the question are not correct?

Mr. BROWN

I have not said that they are incorrect, but that they do not give an accurate representation.

Mr. BATEY

Are not the figures showing that the unemployment index figure at Spennymoor Employment Exchange has increased by 6 per cent. since December, 1934, correct?

Mr. BROWN

There are other things which should be taken into account.