HC Deb 19 March 1957 vol 567 cc181-3
1. Miss Burton

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the number of vacancies for men and women notified to the Coventry Employment Exchange in December and January were, respectively, 661 and 597; and if he will give the numbers for 6th February and for the latest convenient date in March.

The Minister of Labour and National Service (Mr. fain Macleod)

The figures for December and January were as stated by the hon. Member. The corresponding figures for 6th February and 6th March were 564 and 618, respectively.

Miss Burton

While I am very glad that the number of vacancies has slightly increased, is the Minister aware that it bears no resemblance to the numbers out of work, and could he give any general information in what categories those vacancies occur?

Mr. Macleod

I think that Question No. 2 is more appropriate to those out of work. So far as categories are concerned, I have a list of them, and if the hon. Lady would like to put down a Question, I can circulate the details in the OFFICIAL REPORT; or I can let her know.

2. Miss Burton

asked the Minister of Labour what were the unemployment figures in Coventry up to the latest convenient date in March; and what proportion this bears to the figure for February.

Mr. Iain Macleod

Two thousand and twenty-six males and 919 females were wholly unemployed on 11th March. The total of 2,945 showed a decrease of about 15 per cent. compared with 11th February. On 11th March the number of males and females registered as temporarily stopped was 2,994, compared with 74 on 11th February. The increase is due to a recent change in the guaranteed week provisions of the agreement between the two sides of the engineering industry, as a result of which workers on short time and previously not registered are now registering and able to receive unemployment benefit.

Miss Burton

While being rather puzzled at but grateful for the length of that reply—because I asked purely for the unemployment figures—may I ask if the Minister is aware that the figures which I have for 11th March are 2,826 wholly unemployed? Could he tell the. House how he suggests that 2,826 workers should obtain work when we have only 618 vacancies?

Mr. Macleod

The explanation of the length of the Answer, which is important, is that there has been a very welcome decrease of 15 per cent.—which, I am sure, the hon. Lady is delighted to see—in the number wholly unemployed, but if I gave a total figure the decrease would be obscured by a rise, which is purely because of a private agreement, which has now been recognised amongst the temporarily stopped. With regard to the question of how the unemployed fill the vacancies, I think one has to take into account, particularly in an area like Coventry, not only the immediate vacancies but those in the surrounding districts.

Miss Burton

That is another story.

Mr. Macleod

And a very good one, too.

3. Miss Burton

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that an analysis of wholly unemployed males in Coventry for June, September and December shows that, of the respective totals, 2.6 per cent., 4.2 per cent., and 11.4 per cent. have been wholly unemployed for more than six months; and if he will give the percentage for the last quarterly figures.

Mr. Iain Macleod

The figures for June, September and December, 1956, were as stated by the hon. Member. The corresponding figure for 11th March, 1957. was 16.3 per cent.

Miss Burton

Is the Minister aware that we are really very concerned at this increasing trend as regards those out of work for more than six months, and further, is he aware that the actual number, which I believe is 319, is more than double the number last quarter? Could he tell us how he suggests that this matter might be dealt with?

Mr. Macleod

The hon. Lady's information is very good. The figure is indeed 319. The increase in percentage of those wholly unemployed is, of course. serious, but I hope that that is a situation which is steadily going to improve now, because, as the House will hear from other Answers I am giving today, there is a substantial improvement in recent figures which are not yet published both in a decrease in unemployment and in an upswing in vacancies.