§ Mr. W. BAKERasked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the great increase of unemployment in Bristol; whether he is aware that the present figure of 16,555 persons totally unemployed in that city represents an increase of 2,000 over the corresponding 959W period of last year; and what special schemes he has in contemplation for the alleviation of the position?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI am aware of the increase, as compared with a year ago, in the number of persons on the registers of Employment Exchanges in the Bristol area. The hon. Member is no doubt aware of the various methods of Government assistance for schemes promoted by local authorities for the relief of unemployment. Sympathetic consideration will be given to any scheme put forward by the local authority in the present case.