HC Deb 13 March 1963 vol 673 c1328
2. Mr. Fitch

asked the Minister of Labour how many unemployed were registered at the Wigan Employment Exchange at the latest convenient date.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. William White-law)

2,627 at 11th February.

Mr. Fitch

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the considerable concern in Wigan and district about the lack of employment prospects? How many of the more than 2,000 unemployed are wholly unemployed? Will the hon. Gentleman contact the President of the Board of Trade with a view to encouraging new industries to come to Wigan and district?

Mr. Whitelaw

I note what the hon. Gentleman says about my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade. Just under 2,000 of the figure I gave were wholly unemployed, and a considerable number of them were in construction work. We hope that these people will soon be back at work.