§ 18. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Minister of Labour what are the latest figures of unemployment for the area served by the Buckhurst Hill Employment Exchange; to what extent they have been influenced by weather and seasonal factors; what special difficulties now confront school leavers in the area; what special steps have been taken by his Department; and what advice has been given.
§ Mr. WhitelawOn 14th January, 1963, there were 508 people unemployed of whom 155 were temporarily stopped. The increase of 244 since December was very largely in the construction industry and was mainly due to the weather. Of 166 boys and girls who left school at the end of the Christmas term, nine were still registered for work on 29th January; 16 no special difficulty is expected in finding employment for them.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonIs my hon. Friend aware that the efforts of his right hon. Friend's local officers are much appreciated by my constituents?
§ Mr. WhitelawI thank my hon. Friend very much.