BRITAIN’S WORKLESS

Grey River Argus, 5 February 1930, Page 5

BRITAIN’S WORKLESS

On the Increase MOST FOR SEVEN YEARS. (Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assn.) (Received February 4 at 10 p.m.) LONDON, February 3. In the House of Commons, on a motion for the third reading of the Consolidated Fund Bill, Sir H. Steel Maitland raised the unemployment problem, pointing out that the number of workless is now higher than at any period for seven years past, and nearly fifty thousand more than last year. Rt. Hon. J. H. Thomas, replying, admitted that the live register figures were worse, and, moreover, that at least one hundred thousand must be added by the end of this month, by reason of the operation of the new Unemployment Insurance Bill; but said it would be a profound mistake to magnify the figures. Business men told him that a false impression was doing incalculable harm. Mr; Samuel pleaded that in this national emergency both sides should be summoned to aid the ‘Government. He asked how far had Mr Thomas proceeded with his plaus for Empire development. The bill was read the third time.