3. Mr. W. Joseph Stewartasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that in Durham county one man in five of the industrial population is unemployed, which is a high proportion; and what steps he is taking to deal with the situation?
§ Mr. E. BrownThe percentage rate of unemployment in County Durham in June this year was 19.6, but, I would point out, that is half what it was in June, 1933. In reply to the second part of the question, I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave the hon. Member on 17th February, 1938.
Mr. StewartIs the Minister aware that, apart from the trading estate, very little or nothing has been done by the Government to introduce new work into the county; and that there is very great concern among all ranks in the county with regard to the continued rise in the number of unemployed, the figures being 19.2 per cent. a month or two ago and over 20 per cent. to-day?
§ Mr. BrownI cannot agree with the statement in the last part of the hon. Member's supplementary question. In June, 1931, the percentage was 37.1, in 1933 it was 39.6, in December of last year it was 20.6, and now it is 19.6
§ Mr. BateyWill not the Minister tell us, as is asked in the question, what he is doing to deal with the situation?
§ Mr. BrownI indicated, in the answer to which I have referred, that a vast deal has been and is being done.