HC Deb 12 December 1966 vol 738 cc19-21
34. Mr. John Page

asked the Minister of Labour what is his estimate of the cost in money and manpower of putting a true picture of what is going on. Is she aware that it is virtually impossible to find employment in productive industry in this area?

Mrs. Williams

Those are the latest figures we have. In the same period, 187 people were placed in service industry, so the figures are not so greatly apart.

33. Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give the latest monthly unemployment figures for the Bideford area and comparable figures for the last six years.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

As the Reply consists of a table of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Mills

I can tell the hon. Lady that the figures are rising rapidly. Will she bear in mind that what is needed is further employment in the area, the granting of licences for factories to come there and the creation of employment for these people? Will she urge the Board of Trade to do just that?

Mrs. Williams

Yes, Sir, but I must point out that the figures for unemployment in Bideford are still quite substantially below those in 1963. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade informs me that there are some 460 jobs for men in prospect in the next four years and 370 for women, so he is undertaking what the hon. Gentleman has asked him to do.

Following is the information: into force the proposals contained in the Employment Agencies (Regulation) Bill.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

As the hon. Member knows, this is a Private Member's Bill which is still at a fairly early stage of consideration in Committee. Its final form is uncertain and I cannot, therefore, give the estimate requested.

Mr. Page

Is the hon. Lady aware—I am sure she is, but has she told her right hon. Friend?—of the great concern felt both inside and outside the House about the extent of the controls which it is intended he should be given under the Bill, and that it appears that a huge new department will be needed in St. James's Square? Is it not up to the hon. Lady to give us some information about the potential costs?

Mrs. Williams

The hon. Gentleman has had some information in Committee, as both he and I know. The other part of his supplementary question was, I think, related to a different subject.

Mr. Hugh Jenkins

Is my hon. Friend aware that what the hon. Gentleman has said is a travesty of the facts?

Mrs. Williams

I am aware that there is some truth in what my hon. Friend says, but I did not want to rub the point in.

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