§ 7. Mr. Greyasked the President of the Board of Trade what are the factors that have caused the recent increase in the number of unemployed in the Northern Region; and what direct methods he is introducing to remedy the position.
§ Mr. ErrollI am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour that the increase in unemployment in the Northern Region between 11th December, 1961, and 15th January, 1962, was due mainly to seasonal factors, including the registration of Christmas school-leavers. More than half the increase in unemployment among men was in construction; there was also a substantial increase in iron and steel. I will continue to make all possible use of the powers provided by the Local Employment Act and the Town and Country Planning Act to encourage the development of further industry in areas of high unemployment in the Northern Region.
§ Mr. GreyThis is the same kind of reply. I wonder Why the President of the Board of Trade bothers to come to the House to give it. Why does he not record it on a tape recorder? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in March, 1961, he promised that there were 14,500 jobs in prospect for Durham, in June that there were 20,000 in prospect 182 for the North-East, and in December that there were 27,500 jobs in prospect for the North-East? I think he has turned up more figures than a bingo announcer. I suggest that the figures do not make—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. The supplementary question is out of a order for a variety of reasons.
§ Mr. SpeakerMr. Stonehouse.