§ 46. Mr. Callaghanasked the Prime Minister what approaches have been made to him by the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland for assistance in dealing with long-term unemployment in that country.
§ The Prime MinisterThree years ago, when there was a serious rise in unemployment in Northern Ireland, Lord Brookeborough, the Prime Minister, made personal representations to me, and came to London with a number of his colleagues to discuss the matter with United Kingdom Ministers. Since then very close and continuous attention has been paid to this problem, and to various suggestions put forward by the Members for Northern Ireland.
Since 1952, there has been some improvement and the rate of unemployed among insured workers has fallen from a yearly average of 10.4 per cent. to 7 per cent. This is still far too large and the matter, therefore, continues to be one of serious concern. I can assure the hon. Gentleman who has asked me the Question, and also the representatives of Northern Ireland in this House, that our two Governments are in the closest touch and that every effort is being made to continue to improve the situation.
§ Mr. CallaghanI am obliged to the Prime Minister for that answer. May I ask if he is aware that the latest figures show that unemployment is going up again; that it has been going up for the last three months and has now reached 8 per cent., and on that basis in this country it would be equivalent to 1¾ million unemployed? In view of the impotence of the Northern Ireland Government in this matter, may I ask if the right hon. Gentleman will resume his discussions and use his influence with Lord Brookeborough to get some work into the country and get these men and women back to work?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir, I think that I have stated very clearly the earnest view of the Government, and the constant attention which is being paid to this matter by the Government and by hon. Members who represent that part of the country.
§ Mr. McKibbinIs my right lion. Friend aware that immediately before the Recess, the Secretary of State for the Home Department and the Minister of Labour were good enough to see a deputation of Ulster Unionist Members of this House, when proposals were put to them to improve the employment situation in Northern Ireland? Will my right hon. Friend continue to give this his personal attention so that a solution to this matter may be secured at the earliest possible moment?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir, certainly, and we shall be perfectly ready to discuss the matter with representatives from Northern Ireland; knowing well that care with which they watch interests which are especial to themselves—and this perhaps explains the activities of the hon. Gentleman.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonMay I ask if the Prime Minister will permit me to congratulate him on the ability with which he has been briefed to protect the interests of his political friends from Northern Ireland, as against the perfectly legitimate interest which has been taken by my hon. Friend and others on this side of the House?