HC Deb 06 February 1961 vol 634 cc8-9
11. Mr. Milne

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give the latest available unemployment figures for the Blyth Employment Exchange, specifying the length of unemployment of males, females and persons under 18, respectively; and what were the comparable figures at the same date in 1959 and 1960

Mr. P. Thomas

As the reply consists of tables of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Milne

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the position is likely to deteriorate in the very near future, because of the shortage of orders at the Blyth shipyard? Will he inform his right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade that we are anxiously awaiting his doing something to implement the promises which he was bandying around so freely in the recent by-election?

Mr. Thomas

Yes, Sir. I agree that in the near future there may be difficulties in both the coalmining and the shipbuilding industries, on which the area is mainly dependent. Both my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade and my night hon. Friend the Minister of Labour will continue to watch the situation very closely. I know that my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade will keep the position under review. Following are the tables:

NUMBERS OF WHOLLY UNEMPLOYED AT BLYTH 12th January, 1959:

Length of unemployment Men Women Young Persons Total
Under 2 weeks 70 15 24 109
2–8 weeks 62 32 17 111
Over 8 weeks 97 53 23 173
Total 229 100 64 393

There were also 57 men temporarily stopped.

11th January, 1960:

Length of unemployment Men Women Young Persons Total
Under 2 weeks 38 19 40 97
2–8 weeks 85 23 20 128
Over 8 weeks… 110 52 10 172
Total 233 94 70 397

There were also 16 men and 2 women temporarily stopped.

16th January, 1961:

Length of unemployment Men Women Young Persons Total
Under 2 weeks 43 23 28 94
2–8 weeks 46 23 20 89
Over 8 weeks 124 39 13 176
Total 213 85 61 359

There were also 6 men and 1 woman temporarily stopped.