HC Deb 18 November 1963 vol 684 cc610-2
16. Mr. Fernyhough

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that at the last count there were 346 boys and girls under 18 years of age registered as unemployed in Jarrow and Hebburn; and what steps he proposes to take to find them suitable employment.

Mr. Godber

The figure of 346 relates to mid-October. At the mid-November count, which has just taken place, the total has fallen to 288. Both Jarrow and Hebburn form part of the Tyneside Development District and come within the growth zone to which particular attention is given in the new proposals for the North East.

Mr. Fernyhough

Does not the Minister realise that the proposals to which he referred are jam for tomorrow but that I am asking for bread for today? Many of these young people have been out of work for over 12 months. Does he not appreciate the bitterness and cynicism already developing in their hearts? Does he not realise that if he does not find positions for these young people, in the long term prisons will have to be built for them?

Mr. Godber

I have indicated my corncern in this matter, and I agree that there are real problems here. I am seeking ways and meeting them by training and, perhaps, by getting local authorities to institute special courses for these young people until the effects of the proposals we are making operate in the employment field.

Mr. Prentice

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that on this Question, as in answer to previous ones, it is not much use talking about an improvement during the last two months? There is always bound to be a statistical improvement as the school-leaving date recedes. The situation in these and other areas is much worse than it was at a similar time last year and in the previous year. The type of proposals made in the Industrial Training Bill are several years too late. Does the Minister recognise that many more immediate steps are required quickly in areas such as these?

Mr. Godber

I have indicated my concern in this matter. Although the figures have dropped, they are much higher than we wish them to be. However, some of the figures look better than they did at this time last year.

18. Mr. Fernyhough

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that at the last count there were 1,869 persons registered as unemployed in Jarrow and Hebburn; and what prospects they have of obtaining jobs.

Mr. Godber

The figures for November which are available today show that the number unemployed has fallen to 1,736. There is a substantial number of jobs in prospect for Tyneside and this area should benefit from the measures to assist the North East announced last week.

Mr. Fernyhough

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that under each succeeding new Minister of Labour our position has got worse instead of better, and that the figures in Jarrow and Hebburn have always been more than double the national average, as a percentage? Can he give an assurance that while he is holding his present office he will be more successful than his predecessors have been?

Mr. Godber

I would never guarantee that, but I will try. 1 indicated that the proposals announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Budget have helped in bringing forward a number of new projects in the area. I am sure the hon. Member is aware of them.