§ 8. Mr. James Hallasked the Minister of Labour how many people were unemployed in the Stepney district in June; and how do the figures compare with those for the preceding month?
§ Mr. E. BrownAt 13th June, 1938, there were 10,225 insured persons, aged 16–64, resident in the Metropolitan borough of Stepney, recorded as unemployed, as compared with 8,709 at 16th May, 1938.
§ Mr. HallDoes the right hon. Gentleman not realise that that shows an increase of 25 per cent. in the unemployed in one month, and does he not consider that such a steep rise is a matter of deep concern?
§ Mr. BrownOf course, it is a matter of deep concern, but the hon. Gentleman knows well enough that this area is one in which the turnover in jobs is more, perhaps, than in any other area, because of the peculiar nature of its industries.