HC Deb 30 June 1938 vol 337 c2098
18. Mr. Kirby

asked the Minister of Labour how many pattern makers and sheet-metal workers, respectively, were unemployed on 1st June this year, and what were the corresponding figures for last year on the same date throughout the country as a whole; and how many such skilled men were unemployed on the same dates in Glasgow, Greenock, Coventry, Birmingham, Liverpool and Birkenhead, respectively?

Mr. E. Brown

I am having the available information extracted and will circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Kirby

Is it not a fact that unemployment among these workers is increasing rapidly, and how can the right hon. Gentleman reconcile that fact with the statement of the Government that there is a shortage of skilled labour in regard to the rearmament problem?

Mr. Brown

I think the hon. Member had better await the statement and then if necessary put a further question, which I will do my best to answer.