§ 34. Mr. Wainwrightasked the Minister of Labour if he will give the number of unemployed registered in the Mexborough Employment Exchange area at the latest available date.
§ Mr. WhitelawNine hundred and nine on 10th February.
§ Mr. WainwrightDoes the hon. Gentleman not think that the figures for this district are rather alarming? Could he say how many of these men were employed at Messrs. Baker and Bessemer? Is he not aware that Messrs. Baker and Bessemer will close down on the 28th 982 of this month, which will swell the numbers of unemployed by another 200 or 300? Does he not know that the unemployed men in this district are disgusted at the complacency which he and his right hon. Friend are showing? Will he consult the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development with a view to getting some industries into this area and taking over this vacant site?
§ Mr. WhitelawOf the 853 discharged by Messrs. Baker and Bessemer, 86 men and 12 women are registered as unemployed at Mexborough Employment Exchange and 18 men are registered at other nearby offices. As for the remainder who will lose their jobs in the melting shop, their prospects of employment are reasonably good. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that there is no hint of complacency so far as my right hon. Friend or I myself are concerned. I am sure that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development will take note of what the hon. Gentleman has said about getting new industry into the area.