§ 10. Mr. Harperasked the Minister of Labour how many people are currently registered as unemployed at the Pontefract and Castleford employment ex changes in the West Riding of Yorkshire.
§ Mr. WhitelawSix hundred and eighty-nine and 506, respectively, on 11th March.
§ Mr. HarperDoes the hon. Gentleman realise that these figures are even higher than those for last month, when we were led to believe that they would go down because they were seasonal? In view of the fact that this constituency relies solely on coalmining, would the hon. Gentleman not look further into this matter and try to induce more industries to come into the area so that there may be fuller employment than there is at present?
§ Mr. WhitelawI must correct the hon. Member. The figures fell between February and March. However, I note the point he has made and will certainly bear it in mind.