asked the Minister of Labour how many people were registered as unemployed in the county borough of Southend-on-Sea at the latest available date.

One thousand nine hundred and ninety-six at 15th January.

Is the Minister aware that many of the people whom he has mentioned, and many more whom he has not mentioned, will be added to the list of the unemployed of Southend-on-Sea unless and until he can prevail upon his colleague the Minister of Transport to provide means for taking people from Southend-on-Sea to London at a speed rather faster than that of the old pack mule?

The difficulty is seasonal, but there has been a very substantial improvement in the situation, as I am quite sure the hon. Gentleman will realise and be pleased about. The number in 1939 was 6,370.

In view of the unsatisfactory and evasive nature of the reply, I give notice that it is my intention to raise this matter at the earliest possible opportunity on the Adjournment.