HC Deb 20 February 1967 vol 741 cc1127-8
12. Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give the number of unemployed in the Okehampton area; and what plans he has to reduce this figure.

Mr. Fernyhough

On 9th January, 1967 the total number of persons registered as unemployed at the Okehampton Employment Exchange was 188, including one temporarily stopped. Our local officers are doing all they can to help those unemplayed to find other work and to provide training facilities where appropriate.

Mr. Mills

But does the hon. Gentleman realise, again, that the only way to overcome this problem in this area and many other similar areas is to allow it to be in the development area and thus attract industry?

Mr. Fernyhough

I will draw the hon. Gentleman's remarks to the attention of he urge his colleagues to do something about it, first by removing the ridiculous Selective Employment Tax, which has caused most of this trouble?

Mr. Fernyhough

The town to which the hon. Gentleman refers is part of the South-Western Development Area. All the efforts of the Board of Trade are available and will be directed to it, as to any other development area. The effects of the Selective Employment Tax will obviously be reviewed, but it is not for me to say what the outcome of the review will be.

Following is the information:

my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.