HC Deb 18 March 1963 vol 674 cc24-5
36. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Labour what percentage of the working population in north Staffordshire is unemployed at the latest date for which figures are available; and what action is being taken by his Department to prevent the further spread of redundancy.

Mr. Whitelaw

It was 4.2 per cent. at 11th February, 1963. The March figure will be available later this week, and I will send it to the hon. Member. There are also redundancies pending, and our local officers are in touch with the firms with a view to helping the workers affected to find other employment.

Mr. Swingler

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this is a very serious situation, with getting on for 10,000 workers in north Staffordshire unemployed? And we still have not felt the effect of the prospective closure of British Aluminium. What are his officers doing about bringing new industry to north Staffordshire, or trying to persuade people like British Aluminium to stay their hand instead of increasing unemployment?

Mr. Whitelaw

As the hon. Gentleman knows, the question of bringing new industry to north Staffordshire is one for my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade. Our officers are doing everything they can to find other employment for these people.

Mr. Harold Davies

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, in addition to whatever the figure may be on paper, there much hidden unemployment? Would he, therefore, realise that the north Staffordshire position is serious and that encouragement is needed in the form of new industries and other enterprises?

Mr. Whitelaw

I note what the hon. Gentleman says and I hope that we may see some improvement when the March figures come out this week.