§ Sir W. Edgeasked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the percentage of increase of unemployment in stone-quarrying in Great Britain; and whether an effort can be made to extend the use of British stone for war-time needs?
§ Mr. E. BrownAt nth September, 1939, the latest date for which figures are a1 present available, the number of insured persons, aged 14–64, recorded as unemployed in the stone quarrying industry in Great Britain was 4,411, compared with 3,520 at 14th August, showing an increase between the two dates of about 25 per cent.
As regards the second part of the question, I should be glad to refer to the Departments concerned any suggestions that my hon. Friend may wish to make.