HC Deb 23 July 1958 vol 592 c37W
59. Mr. Stonehouse

asked the Minister of Labour what is the extent of short-time working in Wednesbury, Darlaston and Willenhall; and what factors are creating this situation.

Mr. Wood

According to the latest reports from employers, altogether about 1,300 people in the three areas were working short-time on the 28th June, 1958. The majority of them were in the iron and steel industries, which are experiencing a fall in demand for their products.

60. Mr. Stonehouse

asked the Minister of Labour what was the number recorded at the Wednesbury Employment Exchange as being wholly unemployed at the latest convenient date; and what is the extent to which this number has increased in the last twelve months.

Mr. Wood

289 at 16th June. This was 179 more than on 17th June, 1957.