HC Deb 26 May 1938 vol 336 c1368
13. Mr. Davidson

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of registered unemployed in Great Britain for the years ended March, 1930, and 1938, respectively?

Mr. E. Brown

The average numbers of unemployed persons on the registers of Employment Exchanges in Great Britain in the years ended March, 1930, and March, 1938, were 1,275,441 and 1,523,460 respectively.

Mr. Davidson

Will the Minister take into consideration the tremendous increase in public relief during the same period, and is he satisfied with the unemployment figures to-day?

Mr. Brown

That is an entirely different issue.

Mr. Liddall

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the figures of unemployment in 1931?

Mr. Brown

The total number of unemployed on 16th March, 1931, was 2,639,640.

Mr. Davidson

Will the Minister keep in mind that in the eight years since 1930 we have had for seven years a National Government with an overwhelming majority?

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