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SECTION A.
STATISTICS AND SOCIAL CONDITIONS.
1. General Statistics.
Area in Acres 1,390
Total Population (including Service
personnel) 41,950
Number of inhabited houses (approx.) 11,430
Rateable Value - General Rate £557,537
Sum represented by Penny Rate £ 2,267
2. Social Conditions,
Mr.P.RoSmithy the Manager of the local Employment
Exchange has kindly provided the following information
regarding employment in Kingston and the surrounding
districts.
"Unemployment, even allowing for its seasonal
variations, did not at any time during the year
exceed 1% of the estimated insured population; it was
at its height in January and its lowest in July for
both men and women.
There were approximately 150 registered disabled
persons on the Unemployed Registers throughout the
year and the little long term unemployment which existed
affected these and those fit, but elderly, workers who
together formed the hardcore of unemployment. Some 200
workpeople were unemployed during October as a direct
result of the dispute in the Printing Trade.,
There was no change in the industries in the
area during 1950, except that towards the end of the
year there were signs of expansion in the aircraft
industry. There was a very large and constant demand
for skilled engineers' machinists which it was impossible
to meet.
There was difficulty too in meeting the constant
demand for women for laundries and factories. Some firms
were arranging part-time evening shifts 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
for women who were unable to leave their homes during
the day.
We are indebted to the Manager of the Local
Employment Exchange for this encouraging information,
and for the fact that the people of Kingston are spared
the anxiety of unemployment.
Housing accommodation has been greatly enhanced
by the building of several blocks of flats, both within
the Borough and nearby.