Oral Answers to Questions — Liverpool.

– in the House of Commons am ar 9 Mawrth 1939.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr David Logan Mr David Logan , Liverpool Scotland

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed persons taken over by the Unemployment Assistance Board from Liverpool public assistance committee on 1st April, 1937; the number of these cases in receipt of public assistance that were investigated and rejected by the Board; the number of Liverpool unemployed receiving unemployment assistance on 1st April, 1938, and on 1st October, 1938, or recent convenient dates; and the number of them receiving help from public assistance committees at the same date?

Photo of Mr Ernest Brown Mr Ernest Brown , Leith

With regard to the first and second parts of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a question put to me by the hon. Member for Plaistow (Mr. Thorne) on 26th May last of which I will send the hon. Member a copy. As regards the remainder of the question there were in the County Borough of Liverpool on 7th October last, which is the only date for which such figures are available in respect of the local authority area, approximately 32,550 persons in receipt of unemployment allowances and I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health that the average numbers of unemployed persons excluding dependants registering at Employment Exchanges who were in receipt of out relief on account of unemployment during the months of April and October, 1938, were 4,741 and 4,318 respectively.

Photo of Mr David Logan Mr David Logan , Liverpool Scotland

asked the Minister of Labour what recent action he has taken to provide work for the unemployed sailors, firemen, and dock-side workers in the City of Liverpool?

Photo of Mr Ernest Brown Mr Ernest Brown , Leith

Employment among these workers is governed by the state of the shipping industry and I would refer the hon. Member to the statement by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade in the course of the Debate on 16th February last, from which he will see that very close attention is being given to this matter.

Photo of Mr David Logan Mr David Logan , Liverpool Scotland

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what steps are to be taken so that employment is found for these men? Is there any intention of finding them employment?

Photo of Mr Ernest Brown Mr Ernest Brown , Leith

My right hon. Friend said in his speech that proposals have been put forward by the shipping industry, including the Liverpool Steamship Owners' Association.

Photo of Mr David Logan Mr David Logan , Liverpool Scotland

In view of what we know, I am concerned whether there is any coordination in regard to utilising the services of these men and finding them employment, because there is no shipping work for them?

Photo of Mr Ernest Brown Mr Ernest Brown , Leith

The employment they would desire themselves is work in their own neighbourhood.