§ 15. Mr. Woodburnasked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the number of unemployed registered in Alloa on 3oth August and on the latest available date in January; whether he is aware of complaints that the new industries in the district are not availing themselves of the local unemployed labour; and whether his Department have made any representations in this respect?
§ Mr. AsshetonOn 14th August, 1939, there were 956 unemployed persons aged 14 and over on the register of the Alloa Employment Exchange. Figures are not yet available in respect of any date in January, 1940, but the corresponding figure for 11th December, 1939, was 909. With regard to the second and third parts of the Question, while I am informed that not all firms in the area are making use of the Employment Exchange service, I understand that the bulk of the labour required for the new industries has, in fact, been recruited locally.
§ Mr. WoodburnIs the hon. Member aware that there are complaints that men with families are not being employed and that women with no responsibilities are being employed? From the point of view of the public generally will he not investigate this matter and see whether men with families cannot be employed?
Viscountess AstorWill the hon. Gentleman also see whether the women employed have got any obligations. We do not always know.
§ Mr. AsshetonWe do all we can to encourage employers to use the Employment Exchange services.
§ Sir Herbert WilliamsWill the hon. Gentleman see whether publication of the local index of unemployment can be resumed so that we can get this information in our constituencies without the necessity for questions?
§ Mr. AsshetonI will make inquiries about that.