HC Deb 12 December 1946 vol 431 cc1332-3
52. Major Roberts

asked the Minister of Labour how many of the 540,000 ex-members of His Majesty's Forces, who have not yet taken up employment at the end of August, 1946, had finished their demobilisation leave.

Mr. Isaacs

I regret that this information is not available.

Major Roberts

Is the Minister aware that that is an evasive reply? Is he further aware that from questions put to Service Ministers it appears that the figure is 125,000 and that this makes it a total of unemployed after one year of a Labour Government of nearly 500,000?

Mr. Isaacs

I am not aware that it is an evasive answer, but if the hon. and gallant Gentleman knows the answer to his Question why did he ask me?

Major Bruce

Is my right hon. Friend aware that unemployment after the last war at this time was over a million?