§ 50. Mr. Gowerasked the Minister of Labour what is the latest figure in total numbers and percentages for unemployment in Wales; and how this compares with the corresponding month in 1962.
§ Mr. GunterThe figures were 36,159 and 3.6 per cent. in June, 1967, and 25,402 and 2.6 per cent. in June, 1962.
§ Mr. GowerDoes the right hon. Gentleman feel that this position is likely to deteriorate still further, or does he hope that the worst has now been seen?
§ Mr. GunterThe hon. Gentleman must not ask me to prophesy in this matter. The position in South Wales, in particular, in the next three or four years, in terms of job availability, will, we hope, show a considerable improvement. As the hon. Gentleman knows, virtually the whole of Wales is now a development area; and from 4th September it will be attracting the regional employment premium.