§ 28. Mr. Mawbyasked the Minister of Labour what is the latest figure in total numbers and percentages for unemployment in the South-Western Region; and how this compares with the corresponding month in 1962.
§ Mr. FernyhoughThe figures were 27,484 and 2.0 per cent. in June, 1967 and 17,244 and 1.4 per cent. in June, 1962.
§ Mr. MawbyIs the hon. Member going to keep those figures written on his heart, to make certain that at least we in the South-West are given a fair crack of the whip if, at some time in the future, there is an upturn in employment?
§ Mr. FernyhoughAs the hon. Member knows, since August, 1966, most of Devon and Cornwall have been included as a development area.
§ Mr. Peter MillsNo.
§ Mr. FernyhoughThey have been included as a development area. We are hoping that the benefits available to development areas will help the South-West.
§ Mr. RidleySince the Selective Employment Tax hits the South-West harder than any other area, and since the figures of unemployment in the South-West are worse than they have ever been, cannot the Minister draw the obvious conclusion that he should amend the Selective Employment Tax?
§ Mr. FernyhoughIf the hon. Member wants an answer to that question he knows to which Minister he should put it —the Chancellor of the Exchequer.