UNEMPLOYMENT

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 136, 5 December 1929, Page 15

UNEMPLOYMENT

PUBLICATION OF FIGURES

WHY IT WAS STOPPED

T!ic reasons why the Government stopped the publication of unemployment figures were given by the Minister of Labour (the Hon. W. A. Veitch) yesterday afternoon.

"Wo stopped publication of the figures," said Mr. Veitch, "not because we wished to hide somethingthere was nothing to hide—but because things were moving so rapidly during the progress of the work that we felt publication of the figures would be misleading. However, the whole position as it existed' at the time of tho fulfilment -of-Sir Joseph Ward's promise was made known to the pubhe, it was pointed out then that wo had provided for some six thousand men and that the'whole of that number was not available. Clearly, then, th<j unemployment difficulty had been met and tho Pi-irne Aliiuster?s promise completely .fulfilled.

"Wo undertook to do a certain job within a-certain-time. We were inure concerned about that than about reporting to the public. I am quite sure the people generally are satisfied that the fulfilment of the promise was no mean achievement; indeed, a greater achievement towards the relief of unemployment than has so far been recorded in any other country, "We think our opponents might give us credit ioi having achieved the main purpose r'ulhei- than worry' bver a 'pet!ty>detail,.p.s to.-,whether the 'figures should have been published or not," especially in view of the fact'that the numbers wero changing from day to day and at no stage could be regarded as up to date." The Minister added that the decision to prohibit the publication of the figures was made by the Cabinet Committee appointed to carry out the promise of the Prime Minister. There was no reason why the decision should not be reconsidered next time the committee met.