HC Deb 08 April 1963 vol 675 cc897-8
13. Commander Pursey

asked the Minister of Labour if he will state the number of unemployed people in Hull on 11th February 1963; what percentage this was of the insured population; and how many jobs have since been found for these people by his department.

Mr. Whitelaw

In the Hull and Hessle area, 6,394 people were registered on 11th February, a rate of 4.1 per cent. Figures of the number of these who have been placed by our Department are not available, but I can tell the hon. and gallant Member that by 11th March the number registered as unemployed had fallen to 5,701 or 3.7 per cent.

Commander Pursey

When will the Minister of Labour make a real drive against unemployment in Hull? What is gained by diverting work from Yorkshire and Hull to the North-East Coast and so increasing unemployment in Yorkshire and in Hull instead of reducing it in this Tory affluent society?

Mr. Whitelaw

Despite what the hon. and gallant Member says, he knows very well that it is only right and fair to look at the country as a whole, and that, of course, is what is being done. As for the drive against unemployment, I should have thought that the hon. and gallant Member had received a pretty quick answer to that from my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

14. Commander Pursey

asked the Minister of Labour how many young persons are now registered as unemployed in Hull; how many school-leavers have failed to find employment since mid-1962; and what facilities, for which he is responsible, exist in Hull for the industrial or commercial training of unemployed youngsters.

Mr. Whitelaw

On 11th March, 494 young persons were registered. Of 1,350 Christmas leavers 74, and of 3,800 summer leavers 6, have not so far entered employment. Our Department does not provide training courses at Hull, but young people may follow courses at colleges of further education which will prepare them for industry and commerce.

Commander Pursey

Will the Minister of Labour co-ordinate the efforts of all the Government Departments concerned in order to solve the juvenile unemployment problem in Hull, either by training or by employment? Is not being one unemployed out of 1,000 as bad as being one employed out of 10,000 for the young individual who is to start his life in this country at this time on the dole?

Mr. Whitelaw

The hon. and gallant Gentleman, having made his speech, might well be prepared to listen to what my right hon. Friend will have to say about training later this afternoon.