HC Deb 09 March 1948 vol 448 c986
7. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will revive the prewar practice of weekly publication of the unemployment figures.

Mr. Isaacs

No, Sir. This practice was stopped in 1931, and I see no point in reviving it.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

In view of the interest which the Order Paper itself very often reflects on this Question, will the right hon. Gentleman consider some periodical and automatic announcement of the figures?

Mr. Isaacs

These are published once a month. To bring them out weekly would not be of any great advantage, because there is not much fluctuation now from week to week. It would mean a great deal of extra work for the exchanges and headquarters. For these reasons, and in view of the cost, I do not think it is really desirable.