HC Deb 23 June 1937 vol 325 c1201
70. Mr. Gibson

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what was the estimated population of New Zealand for each of the years 1931 to 1936, inclusive; and what was the average number of persons unemployed there in each of those years?

The Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (Marquess of Hartington)

As the reply contains a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply:

According to the New Zealand Official Year Book for 1937, the estimated population (including Maoris) of New Zealand as at 31st March in each of the years mentioned was as follows (the figures given being to the nearest thousand):

1931 … … … 1,511,000
1932 … … … 1,525,000
1933 … … … 1,537,000
1934 … … … 1,549,000
1935 … … … 1,560,000
1936 … … … 1,574,000

According to the same authority the average total numbers of unemployed males on the register and wholly or partly a charge on the Unemployment Fund were as follow (the figures being given to the nearest hundred):

1931 … … … 52,600
1932 … … … 66,500
1933 … … … 72,300
1934 … … … 64,200
1935 … … … 57,000
1936 … … … 52,800

These figures include all men in receipt of part-time relief work or sustenance and all men working full time in industry with assistance from the Unemployment Fund. No recent data are available as to the numbers of women and girls unemployed.