HC Deb 31 October 1966 vol 735 cc23-5
38. Mr. Hugh Fraser

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will now include in his quarterly figures of those in part-time employment, male as well as female workers, in manufacturing, and widen the survey to include both sexes partly employed in all industries and professions.

Mr. Gunter

No, Sir. The number of part-time male workers in manufacturing industries is not significant. Information about part-time employment in industries and professions as a whole is available from the Censuses of Population. Annual estimates are also obtainable from the Family Expenditure Survey, and are to be made more comprehensive in future. I am satisfied that the cost of extending the quarterly survey as suggested would not be justified.

39. Mr. Hugh Fraser

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will estimate how many of the 2,066,000 persons last recorded as being in part-time employment have now ceased to be employed.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

It is not possible to make such an estimate. A more recent figure for part-time employment will become available next year from the 1966 Census of Population.

Mr. Fraser

Would not the hon. Lady agree that this is a figure which comes out only once every five years in the Census and that we should do something to make it more relative and more accurate over a shorter period? Surely something can be done to this effect.

Mrs. Williams

We have one other guide. The right hon. Gentleman might be interested to know that the number of registered unemployed people seeking part-time work this month was practically identical with the number in October, 1965.

Mr. Whitaker

Could my hon. Friend provide figures showing how many directors are part-time employed or unemployed?

Mrs. Williams

I cannot give a precise figure, but I think that it would be interesting.

Mr. Braine

Bearing in mind the fact that unemployment among the registered disabled was higher than the national average before the Government's measures, which have brought about a considerable increase in unemployment, can she say how many unemployed part-time workers are disabled? If she does not know, can she find out?

Mrs. Williams

We could give a figure if the hon. Gentleman would put down another Question.