HC Deb 23 November 1956 vol 560 c112W
Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Labour the fall in the number of pottery workers in Stoke-on-Trent at the latest available date compared with October 1955; and the percentage of employees on short-time working.

Mr. Iain Macleod

Statistics of employment in local areas are obtained only in respect of the end of May in each year and figures for May, 1956, are not yet available.

Precise statistics of short-time working are compiled quarterly. At the latest date, 25th August, returns from employers showed 8,830 pottery workers in Stoke-on-Trent on short-time, but reports from my local offices indicate some improvement between then and the middle of November.