§ 12. Mr. E. Williamsasked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed on the register of the Employment Exchanges at Maesteg, Pontycymmer, Ogmore Vale, Aberkenfig and Bridgend, for each year from 1924 to date?
§ Mr. E. BrownAs the reply includes a table of figures, I will, if I may, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the statement:
§ applicants are not available locally, particulars will be communicated to Employment Exchanges in the depressed areas in accordance with the normal practice, and the opportunity of finding work for persons of the required qualifications in the areas to which the hon. Member refers will be carefully considered.
Mr. DaviesWhen the right hon. Gentleman refers to depressed areas in this connection, does he regard the areas mentioned in my question as being depressed areas for this purpose?
§ Mr. BrownThe hon. Member knows that they are already in the Schedule for contracts as depressed areas under the Ministry of Labour.
Mr. DaviesBut when the right hon. Gentleman talks about contracts does he not know that there are no undertakings to get contracts in this division? What is the use then of talking about contracts at all?
Lieut.-Colonel Sandeman AllenWould not the right hon. Gentleman consider any area which is so represented a depressed area?