HC Deb 25 November 1947 vol 444 c1766
14. Mr. E. P. Smith

asked the Minister of Labour how many men and women were registered with the Area Offices of the Appointments Department as unemployed on 31st March, 1947, and 30th September, 1947, respectively; and if he will state the total number of unemployed persons registered at the Appointments Department for the same two dates.

Mr. Isaacs

As the answer contains a number of figures I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

NUMBERS OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS REGISTERED WITH THE APPOINTMENTS DEPARTMENT ON THE NEAREST STATISTICAL DATES.
— 10th March, 1947. 15th Sept., 1947.
1. With the 14 Regional Appointments Offices:
Men 13,422 11,697
Women 1,438 1,411
2. With the Technical and Scientific Register 1,199 1,061
Total for Appointments Department 16,059 14,169

Mr. Smith

Is it not a fact that these comparable figures are surprisingly static? If that is so, does not the Minister realise that, without some explanation, the impression is given that his Appointments Department is not doing a very good job of work?

Mr. Isaacs

If the figures were static they might give that impression, but I do not accept the suggestion that the figures are static.