HC Deb 24 February 1938 vol 332 cc582-3W
Mr. Riley

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the number of textile operatives wholly unemployed and working short-time, respectively, in Dewsbury and Batley during the first week of September, November, and December, 1937, and the first week in January and February, 1938?

Mr. E. Brown

The available statistics relate to persons aged 16 to 64 wholly unemployed (i.e. out of a situation), or temporarily stopped (i.e. temporarily suspended from work on the understanding that they are shortly to return to their former employment). Short-time workers not at work on the day of the count are included in the latter category but are not separately distinguished in the statistics. The table below shows the numbers of insured persons recorded as unem- ployed in the textile industries at Dews-bury and Batley at dates in the months in question for which figures are available, distinguishing those wholly unemployed and those temporarily stopped. Figures are not yet available for February, 1938.

Dewsbury. Batley.
13th September, 1937. Aged 16–64 years.
Wholly unemployed 285 284
Temporarily stopped 591 437
15th November, 1937. Aged 16–64 years:
Wholly unemployed 463 462
Temporarily stopped 1,588 1,159
13th December, 1937. Aged 16–64 years:
Wholly unemployed 591 520
Temporarily stopped 1,790 1,807
17th January, 1938.
Aged 16—years:
Wholly unemployed 731 710
Temporarily stopped 1,875 1,831