asked the Taoiseach if he will state (a) the total number of persons at work in the main branches of economic activity in 1959, and (b) the net percentage increase in the number of persons at work over the numbers at work in the years 1926-1936, 1936-1946 and 1946-1956
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Number of Persons at Work.
17.
The annual estimates of the number of persons at work in the main branches of economic activity have been getting progressively less reliable as the 1951 census, from which the basic data are derived, become more remote. The stage has now been reached when it has been decided to discontinue the publication of the estimates in the detail hitherto provided, pending the next comprehensive census of population which will be taken next year. It can, however, be stated that it is estimated that the number of persons at work in agriculture, forestry and fishing in 1959—including farmers, farmers' relatives and wage-earners—showed a reduction of 9,000 on the previous year. This trend has been noticeable for a number of years past. The estimated number of persons at work in manufacturing industry in April, 1959, was 3,000 greater than that in the previous year. As I told the House in answer to questions on 9th December, 1959, the trend of employment generally in industry was markedly upwards during the remainder of 1959.
Between 1926 and 1936 the total number of persons aged 14 years or over at work increased by 1.2 per cent. and between 1936 and 1946 it decreased by 0.6 per cent. It is estimated that between 1946 and 1956 the total number at work declined by 5.3 per cent.
Did the Taoiseach state in that reply that there is a decrease under one heading of 9,000 and an increase under another heading of 3,000?
Let us be clear. The only data available on which these estimates can be based relates to April of each year——
And did I correctly understand that there was a decrease of 9,000 and an increase of 3,000 and therefore a net decrease of 6,000?
The statement was that as at April last year the number of persons in industrial employment was 3,000 greater than in April of the previous year. Since then there have been indications of a marked improvement in industrial employment.
Would the Taoiseach answer my question? Is it not correct that, from the figures just stated, as of April last year, there was a decrease of 6,000 in the all-over position—as of April last year?
The figure for agriculture, of course, covers not merely people employed but also relatives of farmers and farm owners.
I know what it covers but, 9,000 down; 3,000 up— that was not what you said quite a short time ago.
Precisely the same.
The people thought it would be 100,000 up. You said you would have 100,000 jobs when you came into office.