HC Deb 09 March 1964 vol 691 cc10-1
15. Mr. Woos

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of unemployed men, boys, women and girls in the North-East at the end of February; and how these figures compare with those of 12 months ago.

Mr. Godber

As the Answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate the information in the OFFICIAL REPORT, for the dates for which it is available. The figures show that between February 1963 and February 1964 there was an overall decrease of 36,969 in the number of unemployed. The figures for last year were, of course affected by the abnormally severe weather conditions.

Mr. Woof

Is the Minister aware that, in spite of the mild winter, which has helped to save a distressing rise in unemployment in the North-East, there is still a big gap to close? Is the Minister further aware that we have a long way to go, for the simple reason that no fresh activity has been injected into the area? In view of the recent increase in Bank Rate, and in the event of a further increase, will the right hon. Gentleman consult his right hon. Friends the responsible Ministers with a view to giving

PERSONS REGISTERED AS UNEMPLOYED (INCLUDING TEMPORARILY STOPPED) IN THE NORTH-EAST
— Men Boys Women Girls Total Per cent.
10th February 1964 35,893 2,317 9,170 1,449 48,829 4.2
11th February, 1963 66,844 5,384 10,308 3,262 85,798 7.4
Change between February, 1963 and February, 1964 -30,951 -3,067 -1,138 -1,813 -36,969