§ 5. Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Labour what was the number of unemployed in Sunderland at the latest available date; and what were the corresponding figures for 1959 and 1958.
§ Mr. HeathThere were 4,780 at 13th June, 1960, 4,401 at 15th June, 1959, and 2,818 at 16th June, 1958.
§ Mr. WilleyWe welcome the fall in unemployment over the past few months, but does the Minister realise that, if we compare the position over the last two or three years with what is happening now, we find that the employment position is very seriously deteriorating in Sunderland? Further, is he aware that we feel that we are being sadly neglected by the Government, in spite of the right hon. Gentleman's visit to Sunderland? When shall we have some signs that the Government are aware of the deteriorating situation?
§ Mr. HeathThe situation has been deteriorating overall for reasons which are well known to the hon. Gentleman, namely, the particular difficulties of the shipbuilding, ship repairing, and construction industries. The sign of the Government's interest surely is that the area is a development district, and, at the moment, from the various sources available, there are 639 jobs in the pipeline.
§ Mr. WilleyWill the Minister have a word with the Minister of Transport so that we may have a vigorous, active and positive approach to shipbuilding before matters become much worse?
§ Mr. HeathI am sure that my right hon. Friend will have noted the hon. Gentleman's remarks, but he is fully aware of the position of the shipbuilding industry.