§ 3. Mr. P. Williamsasked the Minister of Labour what is the present percentage of unemployment in the Development Areas in North-East England, West Cumberland, South Wales and Monmouth, Wrexham, South Lancashire, Merseyside, North-East Lancashire and Scotland separately; and how these percentages compare with the national average.
§ The Minister of Labour and National Service (Mr. Iain Macleod)As the reply includes a table of figures, I will, if I may, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the information:
| PERCENTAGE RATES OF UNEMPLOYMENT, 17TH MARCH, 1958. | |
| Development Area | Percentage |
| North-Eastern | 2.1 |
| West Cumberland | 2.4 |
| South Wales and Monmouthshire | 3.3 |
| Wrexham | 3.9 |
| South Lancashire | 2.2 |
| Merseyside | 4.0 |
| North-East Lancashire | 2.2 |
| Scottish | 3.7 |
| Great Britain | 2.0 |