HC Deb 04 May 1939 vol 346 cc2040-1
14. Mr. Lawson

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now in a position to make any proposals for the employment of those who are wholly unemployed?

Mr. E. Brown

I would refer the hon. Member to the various statements of Government policy for stimulating employment and reducing unemployment. I have every hope that the recent improvement will be continued.

Mr. Lawson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are 1,500,000 unemployed in this country; and, in view of that fact, does he still hold to his hopeless attitude?

Mr. Brown

In the first place, I do not accept that statement in the way that the hon. Member puts it. If he asks me whether a certain number were registered on the day of the count, that is an accurate way of stating the case, but I am pointing out that there has been an improvement recently, and I have every hope that it will continue.

Mr. Lawson

Does the right hon. Gentleman deny that there are more than 1,400,000 unemployed?

Mr. Brown

The hon. Gentleman asked me whether I was taking any action upon it. I would point out that a large number of those registered every month are just going to and from a job, and that hundreds and thousands who are out of work on the day of the count are in work very shortly afterwards.