§ 26. Mr. Pannellasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a fortnight ago 268 workers were put off as redundant at Messrs. Fowler & Company, of Hunslet Road, Leeds; that last week 42 workers were discharged at Messrs. David Brown, Tractors, at Yardley; and whether he will give consideration to this growing unemployment in the Leeds district with a view to finding these men alternative employment in the area.
§ Sir W. MoncktonI am aware of the redundances to which the hon. Member refers and am glad to say that the majority of the workers who registered at the exchanges mainly concerned are now in other employment.
There are reasonable prospects of finding alternative work for the remainder and the employment exchanges will continue to do everything possible to help them.
§ Mr. PannellAs there is a belief in engineering circles in the City of Leeds that there is a degree of recession in the industry, can the right hon. and learned Gentleman say whether the unemployment figures compare favourably or unfavourably with those in comparable cities?
Sir W. MonektonThe only figure I have immediately available which gives a comparison is the following: the wholly unemployed and temporarily stopped workers registered at Leeds, Armley, Stanningley and Horsforth local offices on 10th November represented 1.9 per cent. of the total insured employees compared with 2 per cent. for the country as a whole.