HC Deb 22 July 1937 vol 326 cc2382-3
15. Mr. Lawson

asked the Minister of Labour the number of young people who were transferred from Special Areas in 1936, and the number up to the latest date for this year?

Mr. E. Brown

I will, if I may, circulate a table in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Lawson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the figures for 1936 are three times those for 1933 and that the numbers are increasing, and will he say that that is a sign of prosperity from the point of view of the Special Areas?

Mr. Brown

I could not give the total for 1933 without reference, but there was a large increase. The table for which the hon. Member has asked will show that the second part of his suggestion does not seem to be borne out. There does not appear to be any increase in the last six months.

Mr. Lawson

Is the figure less this year than it was last year?

Mr. Brown

On the last six months, if we can take that as an average, the actual total for 1936 was 10,400 and for the six months 5,044.

Year. Men. Women. Boys. Girls. Total.
1936 6,199 2,861 3,345 1,766 14,171
1937 (5 months) 2,930 1,178 1,216 864 6,188
9,129 4,039 4,561 2,630 20,359