Viscountess ASTORasked the Minister of Labour whether the Government propose to alter the regulations governing unemployment centres so that in the future no centre will be given a grant unless the following new conditions are observed, namely, that there should be within a radius of five miles 50 unemployed juveniles each of whom has been out of work for 12 consecutive days, and of whom at least 35 must be claimants to unemployment benefit; and whether a further condition is that the average attendance at the centre shall be 40 instead of 20, which has been the usual figure hitherto?
§ Mr. LAWSONAs I think the Noble Lady is aware, the First Reports of the National Advisory Councils for Juvenile Employment made recommendations on these points. These recommendations have been adopted and are being put into force as from 1st January next. I may point out that in addition to the provision for what are termed centres, the new scheme will permit in certain areas of classes for unemployed boys and girls, where the numbers required for opening and closing are about half those stated by the Noble Lady, and I may add that my right hon. Friend proposes immediately to consult the councils as to the arrangements which it will be practicable to make in areas where the numbers of juveniles concerned are smaller than the lower limits specified in the Reports referred to.
Viscountess ASTORasked the Minister of Labour how many juvenile employment centres for boys only, how many for
PERCENTAGE RATES OF UNEMPLOYMENT among Insured Persons in Greater London* classified as belonging to Woodworking and Furniture Industries. Industry. 21st December, 1923. 17th December, 1928. Per cent. Per cent. Sawmilling and Machined Woodwork … … … 12.7 4.8 Wood Boxes and Packing Cases … … … 12.2 4.8 Furniture Making, Upholstering, etc. … … … 7.1 3.4 Woodworking not separately specified … … … 7.9 4.6 Total for the Group … … … 8.6 3.8 * Statistics in respect of the County of London are not readily available.