HC Deb 08 March 1949 vol 462 cc968-9
32. Mrs. Braddock

asked the Minister of Labour the numbers of unemployed registered on Merseyside at the latest available date.

Mr. Isaacs

Twenty-seven thousand, seven hundred and forty-seven at 14th February.

Mrs. Braddock

In view of the very unsatisfactory position and the continued increase of unemployment in the Liverpool area, would my right hon. Friend ask the local employment committee for a complete report of the reasons why unemployment continues to increase in that area?

Mr. Isaacs

It is not a continued increase because there has been a slight drop. There has been a drop of 659 from January to February, and that is a move in the right direction, though not a very big one. On the other hand, as my hon. Friend knows, it has been decided that this area is to be scheduled as a development area and that will give greater facilities for improved opportunities of employment.

Mr. W. R. Williams

Will my right hon. Friend give the separate figures for Birkenhead?

Mr. Isaacs

Not without notice.