§ Mr. PENNEFATHERasked the Minister of Labour the latest figures relating to unemployment in Liverpool, and what steps the Government are taking to deal with this serious matter?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe number of persons on the Live Registers of the Employment Exchanges in Liverpool on the 11th February was 29,239, including 9,220 ex-service men. The great majority of these persons are in receipt of out-of-work donation or unemployment benefit With the assistance of Government grants, schemes have been commenced for the provision of work on roads and in other ways. New arterial roads are being constructed and existing roads widened, and at the moment 590 men are engaged in carrying out this work. The expediting of the layout of sites, sewers, etc., in connection with the Housing programme, has resulted in the provision of employment for about 200 men. The Unemployment Grants Committee have also agreed to assist a scheme for certain road improvements, which will employ, approximately, 800 men. My hon. Friend heard, no doubt, the statement which I made yesterday regarding the continuance of benefit.