§ 67. Sir G. Mitchesonasked the Minister of Labour by how much the growth in the number of insured persons between July, 1936, and July, 1937, exceeded the forecast of his Department; and whether in these circumstances, he can state to what extent the number of such persons then estimated to be in employment at the beginning of July was, in fact, exceeded?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Butler)The increase between 6th July, 1936, and 5th July, 1937, in the estimated total number of insured persons aged 16–64 in Great Britain (exclusive of persons within die agricultural scheme) proved to be 350,000 instead of 250,000 as was anticipated at the beginning of the insurance year. The revised figure for the number of such persons in employment at 21st June, 1937, is now estimated at 11,613,000, or 96,000 more than the original estimate for that date.
§ Mr. DaltonCould we be told how such an astonishing mistake came to be made in this Department?
§ Mr. ButlerThe hon. Gentleman will observe that the result was more optimistic than the Department anticipated. If he cares, I will discover for him the reasons why.