§ 56. Mr. H. Hyndasked the Minister of Labour how much short-time working is now taking place in the area of the Accrington employment exchange; and if he will give comparable figures for the same date a year ago.
§ Mr. WatkinsonI regret that statistics of short-time working in local areas are not available. The number of persons registered as temporarily stopped at the Accrington employment exchange at 14thFebruary, 1955, was nine, compared with 33 at 15th February, 1954. These figures, however, do not include persons who were at work on those dates but were stood off on other days of the week.
§ Mr. HyndIs the Minister aware that the gravity of this situation is being disguised by the fact that firms are keeping workers on, although they do not really need them, in order not to lose them? Will he bear that in mind when considering the general position in that area?
§ Mr. WatkinsonYes. That is always an unknown factor but, on the figures, the unemployment position at the moment is better than it was at this time last year.