§ 14. Mr. Deanasked the Minister of Labour what is the latest figure in total numbers and percentage for unemployment in the south-western region; and how this compares with the corresponding month in 1962.
§ Mr. FernyhoughThe figures were 31, 897 and 2.4 per cent. in May.1967,and 20,016 and 1.5 per cent. In May,1962.
§ Mr. DeanDoes the hon. Gentleman realise how depressing those figures are, both at this time of year and in comparison with 1962, following, as they do, a winter during which unemployment has in certain months been higher in the South-West than at any time since the war? Does he realise that the new proposal for a premium is not likely to deal with this situation as it gives no help to many of the basic industries of the South-West, including tourism?
§ Mr. FernyhoughThat has yet to be seen; it is far too early for the hon. Gentleman to draw that conclusion. He will know that, since August, 1966, most of Cornwall and North Devon have formed the South-Western Development Area, and there are now available to them all the attractions which we give to industries to go to those areas where there is need for new employment.
§ Dr. John DunwoodyIs not one of the most disturbing features of the rising unemployment figures in the South-West that it is within the South-Western Development Area that they have been highest?
§ Mr. FernyhoughOf course, they have been highest there; this is why we are now giving the development area benefits to those parts. We have included them because we consider that they should have the benefits which other areas were previously getting.
§ Mr. RidleyCan the hon. Gentleman say how much extra taxation the Southwest region will have to pay as its share of the regional employment premium, if it is £100 million for the country as a whole?
§ Mr. FernyhoughBefore he rose, the hon. Gentleman knew that I could not answer that. If he requires an answer, he should put a Question down to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who will, I am sure, try to answer it.