Unemployment, Newcastle- under-Lyme

HC Deb 30 April 1958 vol 587 cc355-6

14. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Labour for how long the unemployment percentage in Newcastle-under-Lyme has exceeded the national average.

Mr. Iain Macleod

Since August, 1955.

Mr. Swingler

Is the Minister aware that this is almost entirely due to Government policy? There was the levying of Purchase Tax on pottery and the Government policy in regard to the building industry. A large proportion of these people are building workers. Will the right hon. Gentleman make representations to his colleagues in the Cabinet?

Mr. Macleod

I am always in touch with the President of the Board of Trade on these matters, and I hope that the Bill we are to discuss later today will prove relevant.