asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed in the brick-making industry in the months of March and April, 1924?

The number of insured contributors under the Unemployment. Insurance Acts who were registered as unemployed in the brick, pipe, tile and fire-clay goods industry in Great Britain on 24th March was 4,134 as compared with 4,876 on 25th February, 1924. Figures for a later date are not yet available.

How is it that there are any unemployed in this industry having regard to the shortage of materials?

I cannot give any explanation of the figures. I merely know that these are the figures asked for.

Is it the fact that there are brickworks in the Midlands area working short time?