§ 20. Mr. John Hallasked the Minister of Labour what are the figures of unemployment and short-time working, respectively, in the furniture industry at the latest date; and what increase in unemployment and short-time working it is estimated will occur in the current year.
§ Mr. FernyhoughI am not used to being bullied, and never will be. I have never wanted to bully anyone.
The answer is: On 13th March, 1967, there were 2,856 persons registered as wholly unemployed in Great Britain who last worked in the furniture and upholstery industry (Minimum List Heading 472 of the Standard Industrial Classification). Information for short-time working in March, 1967, is not yet available.
The corresponding unemployment figure for 13th February was 3,160. During the week ended 18th February, 1967, 4,800 operatives were subject to short-time working arrangements in this industry. I am not prepared to give a forecast of the level of unemployment or short-time working.
§ Mr. HallWill the hon. Gentleman, first, accept from me that I would not attempt to bully him? Secondly, will he not agree that the figures of unemployment which he has given represent an increase of about 350 per cent. since December, 1965? Is he aware that manufacturers' order books are much less full than they were a year ago and that, if something is not done to ease the present credit restrictions on the furniture industry, the situation in this coming year is likely to get very much worse?
§ Mr. FernyhoughThe hon. Gentleman will probably know that a deputation from the trade has met or is about to meet my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, and he, of course, is the Minister who would be responsible for any alleviation along the lines which the hon. Gentleman is requesting.