§ 98. Mr. Jaggerasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the number of unemployed in the distributive trades has now reached nearly a quarter of a million; and what steps he proposes to take to bring about some change in the situation?
Mr. BrownThe total number of insured persons aged 16–64 unemployed in the distributive trades in Great Britain at 16th January, 1939, was 214,340, or 10.5 per cent. As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, there is normally a seasonal increase in unemployment in the distributive trades in January. The number unemployed at January, 1939, was, however, only slightly above those recorded at January, 1937 and 1938 and was considerably below those recorded at January, 1933, 1934, 1935 and 1936.