asked the Minister of Labour whether he can make any statement as to unemployment in London at the present time; whether there has been a general decrease for men, women, and young persons leaving school during the last few months; and how do the present figures of unemployed in London compare with the highest figures he has recorded?

There has been a continuous improvement in employment in the Greater London area during recent months. The percentage unemployed in insured trades on 22nd May, 1922, in the Greater London area was 10.6, as compared with 12.1 at the end of last January, and 13.2 on 27th May, 1921, when unemployment was at its highest point. On 19th June, 1922, there were on the live registers of Employment Exchanges in this area 156,775 men, 30,007 women, and 11,022 boys and girls; compared with 183,036 men, 81,193 women, and 28,382 boys and girls on 27th May, 1921.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the statement in the papers by the Mayor of Poplar that two yards have made application for unemployed, as they have work waiting to be done, and they cannot get the men in consequence of the treatment they are receiving at the hands of the guardians?

No.

I will fetch it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire as to the accuracy of the statement?

In view of the enormous demand for domestic servants, is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that there are 30,000 unemployed?

left the Chamber, and returned with a copy of a newspaper, which he handed to Dr. Macnamara.