HC Deb 20 April 1939 vol 346 c468
16. Mr. Kirkwood

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of persons at present unemployed in Scotland?

Mr. E. Brown

At 13th March, 1939, there were 255,026 unemployed persons, aged 14 and over, on the registers of Employment Exchanges in Scotland.

Mr. Kirkwood

Is the Minister aware that at the moment there are over 100,000 men, women and boys working in Scotland upon the requirements of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, that everyone is desirous of peace, and that in the event of that desirable aim, peace, being maintained, those 100,000 will in the end be thrown out of work? What provision are the Government making for that situation when it arises?

Mr. Brown

I cannot answer that at Question Time.

Mr. Kirkwood

You are not looking ahead.