HC Deb 04 May 1948 vol 450 cc1064-5
3. Mrs. Braddock

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed registered at employment exchanges in Liverpool, giving age groups, men, women and juveniles and the numbers unemployed for periods of longer than two weeks, eight weeks, 13 weeks and 12 months; and what special steps are being taken substantially to reduce these large numbers of unemployed.

Mr. Isaacs

As the reply to the question includes a table of figures I will, if I may, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. As regards the last part of the Question, much has already been done in the way of introducing new firms, extending existing firms, and allocating Government buildings, and this should have a substantial effect on the employment situation in the area.

Mrs. Braddock

May I ask the Minister to give me the total number of unemployed? I appreciate that there will be a table of figures, but would he give me the total number? Is he aware that his answer to the last part of the Question might be all right in theory, but it is not working out in practice.

Mr. Isaacs

When I said in my reply that much has already been done, I was not speaking of theory but of facts. As to the total number for which the hon. Lady asked, the total number covering the whole programme in the various sections is 21,061.

Mr. Austin

As there is a considerable shortage of workers in the cotton industry, would the Minister of Labour consult with the President of the Board of Trade with a view to transferring to or establishing in these areas of unemployment cotton mills which would absorb the unemployed?

Mr. Isaacs

That has, in fact, been done. The obstacle at the moment is suitable buildings for this purpose, but this problem is being tackled.

Following is the statement:

At 12th April the number of insured persons registered as unemployed at employment exchanges in Liverpool (inclucling Bootle) was 20,478. The total includes 16,534 men, 3,364 women and

Duration of Unemployment. Men 18–64. Women 18–59. Juveniles 14–18. Total.
2 weeks or less … 3,201 1,075 257 4,533
Over 2 weeks and up to 8 weeks … 4,738 1,035 232 6,005
Over 8 weeks and up to 13 weeks … 2,304 371 39 2,714
Over 13 weeks and up to 52 weeks … 4,179 724 47 4,950
Over 52 weeks … 2,751 108 — 2,859
Total … 17,173 3,313 575 21,061

In addition there were 70 temporarily stopped from work at that date