§ 3. Mr. P. Williamsasked the Minister of Labour what is the number of insured people over and under 18, respectively, employed in Sunderland, and how this compares with the position five years ago and two years ago, respectively.
§ Mr. HeathSeparate employment figures for adults and for young persons are not available for local areas. At mid-1958, the latest date for which figures are available, it is estimated that there were 82,500 insured employees of all ages compared with 78,200 in 1954 and 81,800 in 1957.
§ 4 Mr. P. Williamsasked the Minister of Labour what is the number of people over and under 18, respectively, 644 unemployed in Sunderland; what percentage of the total insured population of Sunderland this represents; and how this compares with the position five years ago and two years ago, respectively.
§ Mr. HeathAt 12th October, there were 4,555 persons aged 18 and over and 391 under 18 registered as unemployed at employment exchanges in Sunderland, which represents 5.8 per cent. of the estimated total number of employees in the area compared with 4.3 per cent. in October, 1954, and 2.4 per cent. in October, 1957.
§ Mr. WilliamsWill my right hon. Friend agree that these figures and these Questions, and a number of others standing on the Order Paper, show that there is considerable disquiet among hon. Members on both sides of the House in relation to coal mining and shipbuilding areas? Will he give an undertaking to ensure that the social assets of shipbuilding and coal mining areas are not unduly squandered in the years to come?
§ Mr. HeathMy hon. Friend knows that this is a D.A.T.A.C. area for which special provision is made. I understand that he has a Question down tomorrow to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade about the introduction of new industry into the area.
§ Mr. WilleyIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this area has been very much neglected this year by the Government and that his own Department believes there will be serious unemployment there before the end of 1961? Will he make urgent representations to the President of the Board of Trade to begin at once surveys to establish a new trading estate north of the river in Sunderland?
§ Mr. HeathWe are aware of the difficulties, and possible future difficulties, in this area. On the other hand, we must not fail to take into account that there are still a considerable number of jobs accruing with new industries there.
§ Mr. WilleyIn view of the gravity of the statement of the right hon. Gentleman, I beg to give notice that I shall seek the first opportunity to raise this matter on the Adjournment.