12. Mr. J. J. Davidsonasked the Minister of Labour the total number of registered unemployed in Scotland for the years ending January, 1935, and 1938, respectively?
§ Mr. E. BrownThe average numbers of unemployed persons on the registers of Employment Exchanges in Scotland for the years ended January, 1935, and 2042 January, 1938, were 330,341 and 243,217, respectively.
Mr. DavidsonCan the Minister say what number or percentage of that decrease are now in employment and what number are on Poor Law relief?
§ Mr. BrownThis number covers all who are on Poor Law relief, with the exception of such workmen as are outside the Insurance Act—a small number; I believe about 3,000 over the whole country. Otherwise all those who receive Poor Law relief are covered.
Mr. DavidsonThe Minister has indicated a decrease. Can he give figures showing the number of men in that decrease who are actually now in employment?
§ Mr. BrownPerhaps the hon. Member will be good enough to put that question on the Paper, and I will do my best to give him an answer.
13. Mr. Davidsonasked the Minister of Labour the total amount paid in unemployment benefit for the whole of Scotland, excepting Leith, for the years ended January, 1935 and 1938, respectively?
§ Mr. BrownThe approximate amounts paid in unemployment benefit for the area specified in the question during the years ended January, 1935 and 1938 respectively, were £4,400,000 and £4,100,000, the latter including £79,000 for agricultural benefit. The figures exclude payments made through associations, for which a geographical analysis is not available.
Mr. DavidsonIf any Member of the House desires it, will the right hon. Gentleman issue a confidential report with regard to the part of Scotland that is carefully avoided in this question, on which the right hon. Gentleman is very well informed, and so are his constituents?