HC Deb 14 March 1938 vol 333 cc18-9
40. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Minister of Labour the estimated number of persons employed in armament and munition manufacture in January, 1936, and January, 1938?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Armament and munition manufacture is not separately distinguished in the statistics of employment and unemployment compiled by my Department, and I regret, therefore, that the information desired is not available.

Mr. Shinwell

Is it not possible for the hon. Member's Department to procure figures of the number of persons employed in armament factories?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

It is almost impossible to define with any accuracy what are and what are not armament manufacture, and therefore any such figures would not be of the least value.

Miss Wilkinson

Could the hon. Member not refer to the Non-intervention Committee the decision what is and what is not armament manufacture?