HC Deb 09 March 1939 vol 344 cc2307-8
1. Mr. Tinker

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons, male, who are signing the unemployed register at Leigh Employment Exchange who have been out of employment for more than six months; and the number over 50 years of age?

The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Brown)

Of 2,435 unemployed males, aged 16–64, on the registers of the Leigh Employment Exchange, who were applying for unemployment benefit or unemployment allowances at 13th February, 1939, 804 had been continuously on the registers for six months or more. Separate figures are not available as to the numbers over 50 years of age included in this total.

Mr. Tinker

Will the right hon. Gentleman try to get the figures in regard to the last part of the question, as there is a feeling that the aged people are being cast on one side and are getting no employment?

Mr. Brown

In the last three years I have made a special analysis in regard to certain age groups in May and November of each year. I will let the hon. Member know what the ages are nearest the figures for which he asks?

Mr. Gordon Macdonald

Will the right hon. Gentleman do that with special reference to the mining industry?