HC Deb 28 February 1962 vol 654 cc1312-3
6. Mr. Milne

asked the Minister of Labour what were the unemployment figures for the Blyth, Seaton Valley and Bedlington areas at the latest convenient date; and how they compare with those for the same period twelve months ago.

Mr. Green

At 12th February there were 474 workers registered as unemployed at Blyth, 246 at Seaton Delaval and 254 at Bedlington; the corresponding figures for February, 1961, were 344, 151 and 167.

Mr. Milne

Does the hon. Gentleman consider that the improvements made are sufficient to solve the problem in this area? Would he consider discussing the matter with the President of the Board of Trade in order to import a sense of urgency into the question of the direction of employment to this area? Is he aware that there has been far too much complacency about the matter and that we consider that the Minister of Labour and the President of the Board of Trade ought to get together to tackle the problem? Is he aware that the right to work is a fundamental right which is being denied to our people? If the present occupants of the Ministry cannot provide it, will they make way for

NUMBERS OF MALE AND FEMALE UNEMPLOYED PERSONS REGISTERED AT LOCAL OFFICES IN ROXBURGHSHIRE, SELKIRKSHIRE AND PEEBLESSHIRE ON 12TH FEBRUARY, 1962, AND THE NUMBER OF VACANCIES OUTSTANDING ON 7TH FEBRUARY, 1962.
— Unemployed Vacancies Outstanding
Males Females Total Males Females Total
Roxburghshire … … 149 54 203 45 69 114
Selkirkshire … … 88 41 129 46 83 129
Peeblesshire … … 64 22 86 29 39 68