HC Deb 09 December 1937 vol 330 cc546-7
16. Mr. S. O. Davies

asked the Minister of Labour the effect of the revised method of calculating the number of persons unemployed as compared with the old method; on what date the revised method was introduced; and why the old method was discontinued?

Mr. E. Brown

An article giving the information desired will be found on page 379 of the October, 1937, issue of the Ministry of Labour Gazette, a copy of which is in the Library.

Mr. Davies

Does it give an explanation as to why it was necessary to change from the old method and what benefit has been derived from the new?

Mr. Brown

Yes, it gives a most complete explanation.

18. Mr. T. Smith

asked the Minister of Labour what the present figure of unemployment would be if the calculation were made under the old method?

19. Mr. Leslie

asked the Minister of Labour whether the latest figures of unemployment are based on the revised method, which is calculated to show a reduction in numbers in comparison to the previous method of computation; and what would the figures have been on the previous basis?

Mr. Brown

The unemployment figures for 15th November have been compiled under the revised procedure, introduced in September last, which ensures with closer accuracy that persons on the registers who are not actually unemployed on the day of the count are not included in the total. Information is not available that would show the numbers of persons in employment at 15th November excluded from the count under the new procedure, but at 13th September the change reduced the total figure by about 3.6 per cent. I should point out that the figures for October and November are on a comparable basis and the increase in November as compared with October would not have been materially larger if no change had been made in the procedure.

Mr. Smith

Are we to take it that the Minister cannot tell us what the figures of the unemployed would be if they were calculated on the old method?

Mr. Brown

In my answer, I said that there would be no material difference in the monthly comparison.

Mr. Leslie

Does the Minister agree that if the figures had been calculated on the old method, they would have shown at least 50,000 more?

Mr. Brown

No, Sir. I said in my answer that that would have been so in September, but it would not be so now. This change affects the number of persons on the day of the count who are not actually unemployed, and who register on Friday, say, get a job on Monday, but do not register in the ordinary way at the exchange until one or two days afterwards.

Mr. Stephen

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the old method would show an increase of from 2 to 3 per cent.?

Mr. Brown

That was so in September, but it is not so now. If the hon. Member will examine the figures, he will find that a large proportion has regard to those who are temporarily stopped.

Mr. Lawson

Will the right hon. Gentleman give us the percentage?

Mr. Brown

I could circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT, but I think the hon. Gentleman will find it in the article.