§ 14. Mr. Robert Gibsonasked the Minister of Labour whether he has observed that the number of unemployed persons registered at the Employment Exchange, Greenock, rose from 6,284 on 30th September, 1938, to 6,984 on 31st October, 1938; and whether he has any explanation to account for this increase of 700 in one month?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI fail completely to recognise the figures which the hon. and learned Member has quoted. The count of unemployed persons on the registers of Employment Exchanges was taken at 12th September and 17th October respectively. The numbers of unemployed persons on the registers of the Greenock Employment Exchange were 6,640 at 12th September and 6,538 at 17th October, showing a decrease of 102 in the month. Comparable figures for other dates in these months are not available.
§ Mr. GibsonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that I have in my hand a report of the chief public assistance officer in Greenock showing the figures which appear in my question? Is he aware that this matter is causing great concern in Greenock, and that business men there are willing to put up money for armaments work in the Caird yard if the Minister of Labour will give his assistance in the matter? Will the hon. Gentleman consult with his right hon. Friend the Minister so that he may make representations to the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence who has this matter before him?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI will take note of the hon. Member's observations. With regard to the figures, the only official figures that are published are those I have just quoted.