HC Deb 01 December 1938 vol 342 cc569-70
18. Mr. Davidson

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of registered unemployed in Scotland for the years ended September, 1937, and 1938, respectively?

Mr. E. Brown

The average numbers of unemployed persons on the registers of Employment Exchanges in Scotland for the years ended September, 1937, and September, 1938, were 248,111 and 250,559 respectively.

Mr. Davidson

In view of the increase, may I ask the Minister if he will inspect these figures along with the increase in Poor Law relief in Scotland, and then issue a public statement admitting his complete failure?

Mr. Brown

I am always glad to examine all the facts and relate them accurately to each other. If that were done it would show a great success.

Mr. Davidson

Can the Minister indicate to the House what increase in unemployment has taken place in Leith?

Mr. Brown

At the moment there is a slight increase, but there are 2,200 fewer unemployed than six years ago.

Mr. Lawson

May I draw your attention to the fact, Mr. Speaker, that the right hon. Gentleman is making propaganda in answering these supplementary questions?