63. Mr. H. Wilsonasked the Minister of Labour what figure he took as the estimated average level of unemployment for the current financial year; and by how much the average figure so far recorded exceeds that estimate.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe average level of unemployment assumed for the current financial year was about 350,000. For the preparation of Estimates this figure must, of course, be decided on some time before the beginning of the financial year. The ascertained figures subsequent to December, 1957, indicated that a substantial revision would be necessary. The average figure recorded during the ten months ended January, 1959, was 485,632.
§ 64. Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Labour if he will explain the reasons for the more than seasonal increase in unemployment during last December and January; and what action he has already taken or proposes to take to reverse this trend.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe exceptionally high rise in unemployment between December, 1958, and January, 1959, was attributable mainly to a heavy increase in unemployment in the building and civil engineering industry and other out-door employments. As to the action taken by the Government to stimulate employment, I would refer the hon. Member to the measures described by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the debate on the Address on 3rd November, 1958.
§ 65. Mr. Robensasked the Minister of Labour what is the main cause of the decline by 244,000 in the number of persons in civil employment as shown in the table published in the January issue of the Ministry of Labour Gazette.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe fall in the number of persons in civil employment in 1958 was due to a reduction in the demand for goods and services. The reasons for that reduction were explained by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor 51W of the Exchequer in the debate on the Address on 3rd November, 1958.