Mr. W. Joseph Stewartasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that in the county of Durham there are more than 6,000 men who have been unemployed for more than five years, and that this long period of unemployment is a serious matter to these people; and what steps are being taken by his Department to provide them with employment?
§ Mr. E. Brown: I am aware of this figure. I would remind the hon. Member
Date. Males, aged 14-20(all occupations) Men, aged 21-64. Total Males, aged 14-64. Craftsmen.* Craftsmen's and Builder's Labourers. All other occupations. 1938. 4th April … … 647 2,191 2,978 6,192 12,008 16th May … … 564 2,012 2,759 6,216 11,551 13th June … … 515 2,300 2,737 6,089 11,641 18th July … … 608 2,848 2,982 6,010 12,448 15th August … … 64I 2,717 2,803 5.845 12,006 12th September … … 679 3,448 2,899 5,789 12,815 17th October … … 722 4.562 2,881 6,169 14,334 14th November … … 835 5,121 3,192 6,003 15,151 12th December … … 832 5.735 3.247 6,589 16,403 1939. 16th January … … 1,361 10,395 4,474 7,688 23,918 13th February … … 981 6,470 3,526 6,727 17.704 13th March … … 752 4,125 3,013 6,231 14,121 17th April … … 599 2,656 2,760 5.699 11,714 15th May … … 521 1,909 2,732 5.223 10.385 * Carpenters, bricklayers, masons, slaters and tilers, plasterers, painters and plumbers.