HC Deb 03 February 1938 vol 331 cc353-4
11. Mr. Davidson

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of registered unemployed in Leith for the years ended December, 1933, and 1937, respectively?

Mr. E. Brown

The average numbers of persons registered as unemployed at Leith in the years 1933 and 1937 were 6,402 and 4,746 respectively.

Mr. Davidson

Is the Minister aware that although the reduction of registered unemployed in this area has been slight, the increase in the number of people receiving public assistance relief has materially increased; and will he not, therefore, take some steps to publish the Poor Law relief figures along with the unemployment figures?

Mr. Brown

I do not accept either statement of the hon. Member. I know that it is not the common custom in this House for Members to interfere with other people's constituencies.

Mr. Davidson

Is the Minister aware that when I stated there was an increase of Poor Law relief in this area I was quoting his own figures which were given to me in the House? Does he not think that if a Member neglects his own constituency Labour Members should attend to it?

Mr. Brown

I am quite prepared to leave that to the electors of Leith. They will look after me.

Mr. Thorne

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he is always butting in and interfering with other people's business?

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