§ 47. Mr. Michael Shawasked the Minister of Labour what is the latest figure in total numbers and percentages for unemployment in the Northern Region; and how this compares with the corresponding month of 1962.
§ Mr. FernyhoughThe figures were 48,689 and 3.6 per cent. in June, 1967, and 42,143 and 3.2 per cent. in June, 1962.
§ Mr. ShawDoes not that Answer indicate that the concern that has been expressed, even as recently as today, about the likely unemployment figures—in this coming winter, for example—is fully justified? Moreover, does not the Answer make complete nonsense of the Prime Minister's statement, in which he referred to ironing out the inequalities that exist between the regions in respect of unemployment rates?
§ Mr. FernyhoughIt does not make nonsense of my right hon. Friend's statement. For example, the development areas have felt the impact of unemployment less, on a percentage basis, compared with other parts of the country generally. I would like the hon. Gentleman to understand that we were not hearing much from him and his colleagues in June, 1963, when the figure v as 56,000 and the percentage 4.3.
§ Mr. Edwin WainwrightWill my hon. Friend bear in mind that in some areas the migration of labour is easing the problem far too much? Is he aware 90 that in, for example, the Yorkshire and Humberside areas, the migration level is rather too great; and will he do all he can to prevent this loss of labour from this and other areas?
§ Mr. FernyhoughI have every sympathy with my hon. Friend in that respect. No area has suffered more from this problem than my constituency.