§ 37. Mr. Jegerasked the Minister of Labour, in view of the high unemployment rate of 6.6 per cent. in Thorne, which compares with 2.4 per cent. nationally, what special action he proposes to take to find employment in that area for men, women, juveniles and registered disabled who are seeking work.
§ Mr. HareThe rate of unemployment has now fallen to 5.8 per cent. compared 26 with 2.1 per cent. nationally. My officers will continue to do everything to assist those registered with them to find suitable employment.
§ Mr. JegerDoes the right hon. Gentleman recognise that reply as being the standardised one which he has been giving for a long time past? Will he take special action, in view of the special circumstances in Thorne, where, on his own admission, unemployment is at twice the national rate?
§ Mr. HareI shall do as I have just said. I shall do all I can to help to place as many people as possible. The hon. Gentleman must not, I think, be too gloomy about the prospects. The economy is expanding, and I think that there will be an improvement in the position in his constitutency as well as elsewhere.
§ Mr. JegerI shall try to accept the right hon. Gentleman's advice not to be too gloomy, but how will he persuade my unemployed constituents not to be too gloomy when neither he nor the President of the Board of Trade is doing anything except wait for something to turn up?