§ 38. Mr. Gowerasked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement on present employment trends and prospects in Wales with particular reference to the more difficult areas.
§ Mr. P. ThomasThere has recently been an upward trend in employment in the manufacturing industries in Wales and unemployment is lower than it was last year. There are 30,000 jobs in prospect including 9,000 in development districts.
§ Mr. GowerWhile acknowledging that the picture revealed by my hon. Friend is largely very encouraging, may I ask him if he could confirm that within that general picture there are three troublesome areas—North-West Wales, Pembrokeshire and the heads of some of the valleys—and can he give an assurance that special attention will be given to them?
§ Mr. ThomasI agree that these areas are difficult areas, and I can certainly give the assurance that special attention will be given to them.