§ 8. Mr. Liptonasked the Minister of Labour how many persons are registered as unemployed at the Brixton Employment Exchange; and what the comparable figure was last year.
§ Mr. Whitelaw2,999 on 15th October, 1962, compared with 2,069 on 16th October, 1961.
§ Mr. LiptonIs not this a very substantial increase, and do not these figures show that the disquieting trend towards higher unemployment all over the country is manifesting itself even in London, where the unemployment ratio is generally lower than in many other parts of the country? What are the Government going to do about this very serious state of affairs?
§ Mr. WhitelawThe hon. Gentleman may have framed his supplementary question before he heard the figures. We cannot quote percentage rates for particular parts of London, but the Greater London rate in October this year was 1.3 per cent. I notice that some of his hon. Friends are pressing for things to be done to get employment away from London. I think he might well consult them.