HC Deb 22 November 1951 vol 494 cc539-40
8. Mr. E. Carson

asked the Minister of Labour the latest unemployment figures for Ramsgate, Margate and Broadstairs, respectively, at the latest convenient date.

Sir W. Monckton

At 15th October, the numbers of persons registered as unemployed at employment exchanges in Ramsgate and Margate were 759 and 868, respectively. There is no employment exchange at Broadstairs, which is in the area of the Ramsgate employment exchange.

Mr. Carson

Does the Minister not realise that if these figures follow their customary course they will double in January or February, and does he realise furthermore that 5 per cent. of our adult population in the constituency will then be unemployed as opposed to the national average of.9 per cent.? Is it not time that my right hon. and learned Friend looked into this seasonal problem more closely?

Sir W. Monckton

It is my task to look into these seasonal changes, and I would remind my hon. Friend that the position, judged by a year ago, has improved.