Deptford (Hansard, 25 February 1959)

§ 11. Sir L. Plummer
asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed men and women registered at the Deptford Employment Exchange at the last available date and the corresponding figures 12 months ago.

§ Mr. Iain Macleod
One thousand four hundred and twelve males and 355 females at 9th February, 1959, compared with 946 males and 373 females at 17th February, 1958.

§ Sir L. Plummer
Does not the Minister think that these figures are most disturbing, particularly because Deptford is in a part of the country where there has been literally no unemployment for the last couple of decades? In view of the seriousness of this situation, will he say what the Government propose to do to provide work in places like this?

§ Mr. Macleod
Of course, there is an increase over last year in Deptford, and that is true of almost every place in Great Britain. It also remains true, of course, that Deptford, as part of the Greater London area, is, in general, by far the most prosperous area of the country, and even if we take the increase in January, 1959, the rate in that area is 1½ per cent. I am sure that it would be quite wrong to suggest that the Government should take special measures for the Greater London area. Indeed, what we try to do most is to attempt to get industry, which often wants to come to the Greater London area, to go to some of the places in the country which are more hard hit.

§ 12. Sir L. Plummer
asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed men and women on the Deptford disabled persons register at the last available date and the corresponding figure for 12 months ago.

§ Mr. Wood
One hundred and eighty-three on 16th February, 1959, and 112 on 17th February, 1958.

§ Sir L. Plummer
Has the Minister no plan for dealing with these poor people, who are in a very difficult position indeed, and for whom the finding of employment demands a great deal of ingenuity on the part of the Minister?

§ Mr. Wood
The figures which I have given the hon. Gentleman follow very closely the figures which my right hon. 1096 Friend just gave, and the solution to the problem to which he draws attention in his Question depends on the measures which my right hon. Friend outlined a moment ago.

§ 13. Sir L. Plummer
asked the Minister of Labour how many of the boys and girls leaving Deptford schools at the end of July last have failed so far to find employment.

§ Mr. Wood
I am aware of none, except for one boy and one girl who have lost the jobs they originally had.

§ Mr. J. Griffiths
May I ask the Minister whether he knows that everywhere we are disturbed by the fact that school-leavers cannot find jobs? Will he consult with the Minister of Education to find out whether, as the Government cannot find them jobs, it would be possible, practicable and advisable for the Government to encourage parents to keep these boys and girls at school, and provide maintenance allowances for the parents?

§ Mr. Wood
I do not think the Answer which I gave bears out the right hon. Gentleman's point. In Deptford, we have been able to find jobs for these boys and girls.