HC Deb 30 November 1939 vol 355 c220
7. Mr. T. Smith

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons in receipt of unemployment assistance in the area covered by the Pontefract area office at the present time; and the comparative figures in August last?

Mr. E. Brown

I am having extracted such information as is available, and will circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Smith

The Minister promised to have a special inquiry made in these areas where there are large numbers of unemployed. When will that inquiry be started, in view of the fact that some colliery owners state that they want men and cannot get them?

Mr. Brown

As the hon. Member knows, there have been discussions in the industry as to how many of the elderly unemployed in the industry can be employed.