§ 4. Mr. Gowerasked the Minister of Labour how many notified vacancies exist in the Principality of Wales and in the County of Glamorgan, respectively; and the numbers a year ago.
§ Mr. WatkinsonThe numbers of vacancies notified to employment exchanges and youth employment offices, and remaining unfilled at 9th February, 1955, were 9,784 in Wales and 4,788 in Glamorganshire. The corresponding figures for 10th February, 1954, were 6,799 and 3,223 respectively.
§ Mr. GowerDoes not my hon. Friend agree that this is a very healthy position, in view of the fact that there seems to be a large number of vacancies which cannot easily be filled out of the normal supply of fit people? Will my hon. Friend give special attention to the possibility of filling as large a number as possible of these posts with those who are partially disabled?
§ Mr. WatkinsonYes, I certainly will. I am giving the House figures on that point later.
§ Mr. C. HughesIs the hon. Gentleman aware that these conditions do not exist in North Wales, because in my constituency more than 9 per cent. of the insured population are out of work? What steps is his Department taking to relieve unemployment?
§ Mr. WatkinsonIf the hon. Gentleman will put that Question down, I shall be only too pleased to give him an answer.