§ 41. Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Minister of Labour what rise in unemployment there has been in Dorset, and in Bridport in particular; and what is the number of unfilled vacancies.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsBetween 11th October, 1965, and 10th October, 1966, total numbers registered as unemployed increased in Dorset from 1,550 to 2,041 and at Bridport from 191 to 257.
On 5th October, 1966, 1,333 notified vacancies remained unfilled at employment exchanges and youth employment 26 offices in Dorset, of which 36 were at Bridport.
§ Mr. DigbyIs the Minister aware that this is quite an alarming figure for Dorset? Does she expect it to get any worse in the near future?
§ Mrs. WilliamsThe increase in the immediate area has been 645 since the introduction of the Selective Employment Tax. I repeat what I said in answer to an earlier Question—we are keeping a very close watch on the effect of the Selective Employment Tax in such areas.