asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the week ending 9th June showed an increase of nearly 5,000 over the preceding week in the numbers of unemployed persons in the Midlands Division; and whether he can state how much the increase in unemployment in the motor and auxiliary trades contributes to this total?

The statistics of unemployment for the Midlands Division for the 9th June show an increase as compared with the 2nd June, but detailed statistics on an industrial basis are compiled only at monthly intervals, and I am unable at present to state what particular industries are affected.

Can the hon. Gentleman institute some means of informing the House whether or not unemployment is being caused by the abandonment of the McKenna Duties?

I regret very much that I have to give these answers; but the Statistical Department of the Ministry was very badly cut down and the men are doing their best to give answers as well as they can. I will give the hon. Member the information as soon as I can.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the greatest increase in unemployment is in. those towns that manufacture motor-cars or spare parts of motor-cars?

Will the right hon. Gentleman also inform the House of the fact that the workmen who received their notices of dismissal the day following the Debate on the McKenna Duties, are still at work?

I am not aware that the statement made in the first supplementary question is a fact, nor am I aware of the circumstances stated in the second supplementary question.