§ 25. Mr. George Jegerasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the unemployment figure at Thorne is now 8.6 per cent.; and what action is being taken to provide full employment there.
§ Mr. FernyhoughI am aware that the percentage rate of unemployment for Thorne is high, but the figures are distorted by extensive travel to work movements in the area. My local officers are doing all they can to help those unemployed to find other work and to offer training facilities where appropriate. In considering applications for industrial development certificates, my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade will take full account of the level of unemployment in the area.
§ Mr. JegerIs my hon. Friend not aware that if there was not considerable movement by workers in Thorne to employment elsewhere the figure would be much higher than 8.6 per cent.? Since his is the fifth Government Department to acknowledge this unemployment figure, will he tell the House which Department will do something about it?
§ Mr. FernyhoughI think all Government Departments want to do something about it. I accept that it is a totally unsatisfactory and completely indefensible figure.