HC Deb 08 December 1938 vol 342 cc1334-5
6. Mr. Arthur Henderson

asked the Minister of Labour the present number of unemployed in the plate-glass trade in the Midlands; and whether this represents an increase during the past 12 months?

Mr. E. Brown

The available figures do not distinguish the plate-glass industry separately. The number of insured persons, aged 14–64 in the glass industry (exclusive of bottles and scientific glass manufacture) recorded as unemployed at 14th November, 1938, in the Midlands division was 548, an increase of 275 as compared with 15th November, 1937.

Mr. Henderson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the Birmingham area there has been a considerable increase of unemployment in this in- dustry owing to the importation of plate-glass at low prices?

Mr. Brown

That is a question for the President of the Board of Trade.