§ 23. Mr. Liptonasked the Minister of Labour to what extent unemployment has increased in the London area compared with last year; and what action he is taking in the matter.
§ Mr. GreenThere were 55,041 registered unemployed on 12th February, 1962, compared with 44,007 on 13th February, 1961; my local officers are doing everything possible to find suitable employment for them.
§ Mr. LiptonThis is a very substantial increase compared with last year, amounting to about 25 per cent. Although conditions may be even worse in other parts of the country, will the hon. Gentleman publicise these figures outside London to dispel the illusion that the streets of London are still paved with gold?
§ Mr. GreenI see the point of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, but we must bear in mind that the percentage unemployment rate in the London area this February was only 1.2 per cent.