§ 25. Mr. Wainwrightthe Minister of Labour how many men and women are now registered as unemployed in the Mexborough Employment Exchange area
§ Mr. Whitelaw564 and 322, respectively, on 13th January.
§ Mr. WainwrightRegarding women who are unemployed, has the hon. Member taken into account the numbers who travel out from this district to as far as Huddersfield and Bradford for employment? Will he do something more for the women of this area to make certain that other employment is found nearer to their homes? On the male side, can he say how many men in John Baker and Bessemer are involved and how many men it is expected will be involved when the plant is finally closed? What does he think will happen unless further jobs 700 are brought to this district to ensure that unemployment is greatly reduced?
§ Mr. WhitelawI accept that the point about employment for women in this area is a difficult one. However, the hon. Member will know that a clothing firm, Corah of Leicester, is to build a factory at Goldthorpe to employ 200 females. Recruiting has already begun and I think that this project will provide welcome opportunities. At Doncaster, British Nylon Spinners plan a development to employ 800 males and 100 females. This project is also very welcome. Three-quarters of those at John Baker and Bessemer who were discharged as redundant at the beginning of January have already obtained employment.
§ Dame Irene WardMay I ask my right hon. Friend, with regard to this very difficult problem, how school-leavers who have not yet obtained employment are being absorbed into these training centres? Is the policy matched up—
§ Mr. SpeakerI am aware that the hon. Lady sought to ask a supplementary question on the last Question, but I did not see her rise. However, what she asks does not arise from this Answer.