HC Deb 09 March 1964 vol 691 cc15-7
19. Mr. Stones

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed at the last available date in the employment exchange areas of Consett and Stanley, Co. Durham.

Mr. Whitelaw

517 and 814.

Mr. Stones

While I am grateful to the Minister for that reply and am appreciative that there is a downward trend in the rate of unemployment in the Consett exchange area, is the hon. Gentleman aware of a gradual upward trend in the Stanley exchange area, despite the fact that many miners and their families have left the area for work in other parts? Is he further aware of the increasing resentment which is being felt by my constituents and myself at the failure of the Government to remedy this appalling situation?

Mr. Whitelaw

It is true, as the hon. Members says, that unemployment in

hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance.

Following is the table of Figures:

Stanley and Lanchester was slightly higher in February than in January. I think the hon. Member knows very well of the plans which the Government have made for the North-East. I am sure that Consett and the areas around will benefit from these.

20. Mr. Stones

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed juveniles in the employment exchange areas of Consett and Stanley, Co. Durham at the last convenient date; and how many of these have been given the opportunity of training in industry.

Mr. Whitelaw

On 10th February, 61 boys and girls were registered as unemployed at Consett Youth Employment Office and 105 at Stanley. I cannot say how many have had opportunities for training in industry, but four boys at Consett and four at Stanley have previously held jobs with training.

Mr. Stones

Will the Minister bear in mind that, although the figures which he has just given are relatively low, it is because the Christmas term school-leaving was abolished in my constituency last year and that there will be an upsurge of numbers leaving school at the end of the current Easter term? Will the Minister do his utmost to ensure that places will be found for these boys and girls in industry and in the various training establishments?

Mr. Whitelaw

I assure the hon. Gentleman that we shall certainly do our best. Suitable boys in Consett and Stanley can be admitted to first-year apprentice training courses at Tursdale Government Training Centre. The total number of places for boys has been increased from 24 to 48. Eleven boys from Consett and Stanley are there already under training, while 10 more are likely to be considered for admission to the next class, to begin in April. Five of these were among the February unemployed.

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