Captain A. EVANSasked the Minister of Labour whether he can give the latest available figures of membership of trade unions in Great Britain; and whether the figures show an increase or decrease?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThe total membership of all trade unions, registered and unregistered, with headquarters in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as shown by the statistics compiled by the Ministry of Labour, was approximately 5,405,000 at the end of 1923 (the latest date for which figures are available) compared with 5,610,000 at the end of 1922 and 6,625,000 at the end of 1921. Separate figures have not been compiled as to the membership in Great Britain, excluding Northern Ireland. Statistics for each year from 1893 to 1923 were published in the "Ministry of Labour Gazette" for October last, a copy of which I am sending to my hon. and gallant Friend.
— Total World Tonnage. Owned in Great Britain and Ireland (including the Irish Free State). Owned in other parts of the British Empire. Ton, gorss. Ton, gorss. Ton, gorss. Motor Ships 1,654,546 507,251 17,659 Auxiliaries—Motor 321,252 19,442 23,691 Steamers fitted for burning oil fuel 17,154,072 4,342,417 454,801 Total 19,129,870 4,869,110 496,151 It is understood from inquiries that have been made at the offices of Lloyd's Register that the earliest date for which comparable figures are available as regards the world tonnage is July, 1914.
For that date the particulars are follow: