HC Deb 26 February 1953 vol 511 cc2302-3
49. Mr. Chapman

asked the Minister of Labour the most recent figures for unemployment and short-time working in the Birmingham area; to what extent the situation has deteriorated in recent weeks; and what action, with what anticipated effect, the Government are taking to relieve the situation.

Sir W. Monckton

At 12th January, 1953, the latest date for which figures are available, 7,345 persons were registered in the Birmingham area as wholly unemployed and 1,502 as temporarily stopped. Though unemployment, and particularly short-time working, has increased in recent weeks, the area still enjoys a generally high level of employment, which the Government will endeavour to maintain.

Mr. Chapman

Could the Minister say what will be the effect on the area, where short-time working is very bad at the moment, of the recent announcement that Ministry of Supply contracts would be freely available in the area? Secondly, would he not press the Chancellor of the Exchequer to alter the hire-purchase terms again so that the cycle industry, for example, would not be so depressed?

Sir W. Monckton

My reply to the previous Question was directed to the Coventry area alone and was applicable only there. As to the later part of the supplementary question, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has already said in the House that he is not now prepared to make a statement on that issue.

Mr. J. Dugdale

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware of the very grave concern throughout the whole of the Black Country at the increase in short-time working by people who, during the period of office of the previous Government, had come to consider fulltime employment as the normal state of affairs?

Sir W. Monckton

I am well aware of the anxieties which are caused by increases in short-time working, and I share them, but I think we must bear in mind, looking at the unemployment situation as a whole, that this is not one of the worst areas by any means. I think we must look at the position in the setting of the country as a whole.