§ 33. Mr. Gowerasked the Minister of Labour the number of people unemployed in Wales and in the County of Glamorgan, respectively, at the latest convenient date; and the comparable figures a year previously.
§ The Minister of Labour and National Service (Sir Walter Monckton)The numbers of persons registered as unemployed in Wales and in the County of Glamorgan at 10th October, 1955, were 16,382 and 7,626 respectively. The corresponding figures for 11th October, 1954, were 20,439 in Wales and 9,884 in the county of Glamorgan.
§ 34. Mr. Gowerasked the Minister of Labour how many notified vacancies there were at the latest convenient date, in Wales and in the County of Glamorgan, respectively; and the comparable figures a year previously.
§ Sir W. MoncktonThe numbers of vacancies notified to employment exchanges and youth employment offices and remaining unfilled at 19th October, 1955, were 11,939 in Wales and 6,393 in Glamorganshire. The corresponding figures for 20th October, 1954, were 9,278 and 4,492, respectively.
§ Mr. GowerWhile thanking my right hon. and learned Friend for that reply, may I ask whether, in view of suggestions made during the recent Budget debates that Government policy may lead to unemployment, he can assert once again that it is the object of the Government to maintain that level of employment which is commonly called full employment?
§ Sir W. MoncktonCertainly, Sir.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsCan the Minister indicate what proportion of these unfilled vacancies are in coal mining, in iron and steel and in the other heavy industries?
§ Sir W. MoncktonI can do that if the right hon. Gentleman gives me notice.