§ 22. Mr. Bateyasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that unemployment in Spennymoor is increasing; that on 13th June, 1939, there were 2,864 persons unemployed against 2,480 on 12th June, 1938; and what steps he intends to take to provide employment in this district?
§ Mr. E. BrownI am aware that unemployment in Spennymoor was higher in June, 1939, than it was in June, 1938, but I would remind the hon. Member that it increased in July and August last year, when the unemployment percentage reached a figure of 29.8 per cent. Since then there has been a noticeable improvement and the percentage now stands at 23.1 per cent. In reply to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the first part of the answer I gave the hon. Member for Houghton-le-Spring (Mr. W. J. Stewart) on 27th June.
§ Mr. BateyWill the Minister look again at the increase in the figures on the Order Paper and tell us what the Government or the Commissioners are going to do for this district, seeing that the Government and the Commissioners have not done anything so far?