HC Deb 02 May 1949 vol 464 cc648-9
60. Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what degree of unemployment there is in Western Germany; and which trades and industries are most affected.

Mr. Mayhew

The provisional estimate of unemployment in the Bizone for mid-April is 1,176,446. This represents about 8.5 per cent. of the wage and salary earning force. The principal trades and industries affected are building and related industries, commercial and administrative classes, metal and related industries, unskilled workers, and agricultural workers.

Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

In view of the serious situation which those figures disclose, will my hon. Friend use his influence to secure that those Germans who want to come to this country—where British workers will not be adversely affected as a result—will be allowed to do so for employment here? May I have an answer to that Question?