HC Deb 07 July 1938 vol 338 cc563-4
8. Mr. Batey

asked the Minister of Labour the results of his investigations into the unemployment of men over 45 years of age; and what steps he now proposes to take?

Mr. E. Brown

I have at present nothing to add to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Houghton-le-Spring (Mr. W. Joseph Stewart) on 21st June.

Mr. Batey

Does the Minister remember that he went about the country last September raising hopes that something was going to be done for these men? Has he done anything?

Mr. Brown

I would point out to the hon. Member that there have been great decreases in this particular section. In May, 1935, as compared with May, 1937, the number of men aged 45 and over who were unemployed was reduced by 120,000; between May, 1935, and February, 1938, it was reduced by 84,000.

Mr. T. Smith

Will the Minister tell the House what he proposes to do as the result of the experience that has been gained in certain areas?

Mr. Brown

I said in my earlier answer, which was a long and very full one, that a great deal has been done by administrative methods, which was the purpose of my tour.