§ 18. Mr. C. Hughesasked the Minister of Labour if he will give the percentage figures of those registered as unemployed in each of the six North Wales counties.
§ Mr. HeathAt 12th October the figures were: 11.0 per cent. for Anglesey, 8.4 per cent. for Caernarvonshire, 3.6 per cent. for Denbighshire, 3.3 per cent. for Flintshire, 3.8 per cent. for Merioneth and 2.0 per cent. for Montgomery.
§ Mr. HughesDo these figures not show that the unemployment position in this area, notably in Anglesey and Caernarvonshire, is about the worst, if not the worst, in the whole country? Can he say what measures the Government are proposing to take to solve this problem? Does he not agree that something drastic has to be done? What steps are the Government taking to find a tenant for the advance factory now being built in Anglesey?
§ Mr. HeathThe figures for the first two counties, Anglesey and Caernarvonshire, are still very high. Fortunately, they show a considerable decline in unemployment since the peak in February. As the hon. Member knows, these counties and part of Merioneth are very much subject to seasonal unemployment as a result of the holiday trade, but they are covered by D.A.T.A.C. Any Questions about tenants for estate factories must be a matter for the President of the Board of Trade.