MEN OVER 45 YEARS.

HC Deb 02 December 1937 vol 329 cc2222-3

6. Mr. Lunn

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Unemployment Assistance Board, in its annual report recently published, declares that hundreds of thousands of the board's applicants are between 45 and 65 years of age; that there is no possibility of re-employment for them in the localities in which they are congregated and that they have been unemployed for very long periods; what are the total figures of each industry in which they were originally employed, and what proposals the Government are considering for re-absorbing these men and women in useful employment?

Mr. E. Brown

I am aware that the report of the Unemployment Assistance Board draws attention to the problem of the unemployed men of 45 years of age or more who have little chance of employment in their home areas. Detailed statistics of their industrial distribution are not available. This is a problem which is engaging my attention, but I am not in a position to make an announcement.

Mr. Lunn

Does the Minister not think it would be useful to have information as to the numbers in the various industries who are unemployed at this age, as it might be helpful in absorbing the unemployed into industry?

Mr. Brown

I have not the figures available. I have some, but because of the lack of information I have been recently visiting Ministry of Labour centres.

Mr. Lunn

Would the Minister answer the last part of my question as to whether the Government have any plans for providing employment?

Mr. Brown

I am considering the whole position, and I hope to make an announcement.

Mr. Lawson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are 80,000 such men in the Special Areas, that the Commissioner himself is very much disturbed at the problem, and that there have been leading articles in all papers showing that there is a great deal of public disturbance about it?

Mr. Brown

The hon. Member will remember that I myself called attention to this problem not long ago.

21. Mr. Tinker

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of unemployed men over 45 years of age who are on the registers at the Employment Exchanges; what is the percentage of the total number of unemployed; and the corresponding figures for Lancashire?

Mr. Brown

I am having the available figures extracted, and will circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.