HC Deb 28 January 1974 vol 868 cc30-1W
Mr. Faulds

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many full-time workers employed in the Warley area have been reduced to a three-day week; and how this change has affected weekly earnings in terms of cash and as a percentage.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

I estimate that about 16,600 workers in the Warley area were temporarily stopped and claiming unemployment benefit on 21st January. Information about the effect on weekly earnings is not available.

Mr. Weitzman

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the latest figures showing the number of persons put on short-time as a result of the three-day week.

ESTIMATES OF NUMBER LAID OFF AND CLAIMING UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT
Region Monday 14th January 1974 Thursday 7th January 1974 Monday 21st January 1974
Northern 40,000 (41,807) 34,000 36,000
Yorkshire and Humberside 108,000 (108,491) 74,000 97,000
Eastern and Southern 76,000 (154,786) 76,000 64,000
London and South Eastern 65,000 70,000 69,000
South Western 23,000 (21,210) 18,000 23,000
Wales 26,000 (26,260) 32,000 24,000
Midlands 325,000 (329,196) 275,000 317,000
North Western 152,000 (164,805) 112,000 160,000
Scotland 60,000 (67,274) 70,000 57,000
TOTALS 875,000 (913,829) 761,000 847,000
Department of Employment—MGD: The figures in brackets show the actual count of workers temporarily stopped on 14th January 1974.

Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Employment why workers on a three-day week from Monday to Wednesday receive one day less unemployment benefit than those working from Thursday to Saturday; and if he will take steps to end this distinction.

Mr. Dean

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Petersfield (Miss Quennell) on 25th January.—[Vol. 867, c.384–5.]