§ 119. Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the number of registered unemployed in the county borough of West Ham has increased from 236W 882 in February, 1951, to 1,428 in February, 1952; and what action he proposes to take to stop this rapid rise in unemployment and thus prevent the repetition of the poverty and insecurity of the inter-war period resultant from heavy unemployment in the borough of West Ham.
§ Sir W. MoncktonYes. Part of the increase occurred in industries subject to seasonal fluctuations. Most of the remaining increase was due to the reduction in demands for clothing and furniture which has affected other areas, and it is early to say whether this feature will continue.