asked the Minister of Labour to what extent employment has varied in the mid-1947 period by comparison with mid-1945 and mid-1938 in the Development areas, London and Greater London, respectively.

I regret that statistics of employment at mid-1947 in the areas in question are not yet available, but I will send them to my hon. Friend as soon as they are ready.

Mr. E. P. Smith:

asked the Minister or Labour the number of persons employed in industry in this country at the present time; and how many of these he estimates to be engaged in actual production.

It is provisionally estimated that at the end of August, 1947 (latest date for which figures are at present available), the total number of persons employed in industry, commerce and the professions (including employers and the self employed) was approximately 18,600,000. The numbers in agriculture, mining, building, and civil engineering, and the manufacturing industries, was approximately 10,400,000, but this total includes administrative, technical and clerical staff, as well as workers employed in stores, warehouses, and in transport duties. Separate figures are not available in respect of workers engaged in actual production.

Can the Minister tell us how that figure of 18,600,000 compares with the corresponding figure in, say, 1938?

I am afraid I could not give the actual figures, but there is an increase. I will get the actual figures, and send them to the hon. Gentleman.

Does the right hon. Gentleman include people working in garages as persons in industry?

No, and I do not include people who work on the Stock Exchange.