2.
asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons engaged in the textile, furniture, clothing and distributive trades in Bristol; and the number registered as unemployed there at the latest convenient date.
As the reply includes a table of figures I will, if I may, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
Is the Minister aware that this matter is causing great concern in his constituency and mine? How is he proposing to deal with the situation?
I am prepared to place figures before the House so that hon. Members can see the extent of the difficulty, as a preliminary to discussion.
Do not the figures represent a substantial increase?
The table below gives the information desired:
Estimated numbers of employees in the undermentioned industries in the area of employment exchanges in Bristol at May, 1951, and the numbers registered as unemployed at those employment exchanges at 13th February, 1952.
| Industry | Estimated number of employees at May, 1951 | Number registered as unemployed at 10th February, 1952 |
| Textiles | 1,350 | 11 |
| Furniture and Upholstery | 1,810 | 39 |
| Clothing (including Boots and Shoes) | 7,150 | 182 |
| Distributive Trades | 29,210 | 315 |