HC Deb 04 February 1943 vol 386 c1025
10. Mr. Burke

asked the Minister of Labour whether he considers it necessary to continue the compilation of the statistics of unemployment so frequently as once a month?

Mr. Bevin

The relatively small numbers now registering as unemployed consist mainly of persons who are changing from one job to another or are unsuitable, owing to age or physical disability or for other reasons, for ordinary industrial employment. In view of the pressure of work in my Department, and of the necessity for all possible economies in the use of staff, I have decided that the unemployment statistics shall in future be compiled and published only at quarterly intervals. Under this arrangement the next figures to be published after those relating to 18th January will be those for 12th April.