§ 9. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Labour the figure of unemployed in Newcastle-under-Lyme at the latest date for which figures are available; what proportion of the working population this represents; and how these figures compare with those for the corresponding date in 1958.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodOne thousand two hundred and seventy-three at 9th February, 1959, representing 4.8 per cent. of the estimated number of employees. The corresponding figures for 17th February, 1958, were 950 and 36 per cent. respectively.
§ Mr. SwinglerDoes the Minister recognise that this very serious increase creates a black spot in North Staffordshire? Will he, therefore, join with me in pressing his right hon. Friends who are responsible for the Departments of Housing and Local Government, Transport and Education to get something done urgently for the construction of roads, houses and schools which are very necessary in Newcastle-under-Lyme and which would provide employment for these people now in enforced idleness?
§ Mr. MacleodI will look at that particular aspect of building construction, especially in regard to the unemployment situation in Newcastle-under-Lyme, with my right hon. Friends, as the hon. Member has suggested. I think there have been one or two rather better trends lately. The February figures were a little better than the January ones in Newcastle-under-Lyme, and I am told that one or two firms in Newcastle-under-Lyme in engineering and metal goods are shortly to recruit some labour.