HC Deb 30 November 1922 vol 159 cc924-5W
Mr. TURNER

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons, male and female, signing the unemployment register at the Exchanges in Batley, Morley, Ossett, and Dewsbury in the weeks ending 25th November, 1920, 1921 and 1922?

Sir M. BARLOW

The numbers of persons signing the Unemployment Registers at the Employment Exchanges mentioned at the nearest dates for which figures are available are as follow:

could be at once proceeded with and so diminish unemployment in the building trades; is he aware that, in consequence of a dispute between two trade unions, the work is being held up, the Plumbers' Union having called out all the plumbers, the dispute being whether the hot-water apparatus should be put up by a body of half plumbers and half fitters or whether the plumbers are entitled exclusively to do such work; and what steps have been taken by him in reference to the dispute and with what result?

Sir M. BARLOW

No dispute of the nature referred to, in connection with the reconstruction of the Walton institution, has been reported to the Ministry of Labour. I am, however, having inquiries made, and will communicate the result to my hon. Friend. There has, from time to time, been a considerable number of similar demarcation disputes between the Plumbers' and the Heating Engineers' Unions, and I am informed that a joint committee, consisting of representatives of the various employers and operatives' organisations concerned, has been set up and is at present considering the question with a view to avoiding the interruption of work at present caused by this type of dispute.