HC Deb 13 November 1967 vol 754 cc25-7
46. Mr. R. W. Elliott

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give the latest unemployment figure for the Northern Region; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Fernyhough

On 9th October, 1967, the total number of persons registered as unemployed in the Northern Region was 55,155 (45,227 males and 9,928 females). The percentage rate was 4.1 per cent. compared with 4.2 per cent. in September, 1967, and 2.9 per cent. in October, 1966.

Mr. Elliott

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the figure has risen from 34,000 a year ago? Would he agree that it is an appallingly high figure? Would he further agree that it is made more appalling in the light of Lord Robens' announcement? Will he take note of the fact that it is just a year since the Northern Economic Planning Council assured the area in its report that there was a future for coal mining in the region? Does this not now make non-sense of the Government's so-called economic planning?

Mr. Fernyhough

Of course it is an appalling figure. I am as interested in the region—I have a vested interest—as the hon. Gentleman is. However, the hon. Gentleman will be aware that if it had not been for some of the steps taken by the present Government the future of the North-East would have been even worse. What we have done in shipbuilding is saving the industry. What we are doing in regard to new factory development and the regional employment premium is bound to have a beneficial effect. I want to see unemployment in the Northern Region brought down as much as the hon. Gentleman does, and so does every Minister in the Government.

Dame Irene Ward

Is the hon. Gentleman aware, particularly having regard to these disastrous figures, that there are certain important issues about which the North wants answers? I do not mind which Ministry the hon. Gentleman deals with, but will he kindly get the Cabinet to take some decisions before the North really gets angry and chucks the whole lot out?

Mr. Fernyhough

I am sure that every one of my right hon. Friends in the various Ministries will have noted the hon. Lady's supplementary question. I very much doubt whether her forecast will come true, though.

Mr. Tinn

Is my hon. Friend aware that considerable responsibility for the figures rests on private industry, which has failed to take up the many financial inducements offered by the Government?

Mr. Fernyhough

Yes, Sir, but I think that it is now beginning to respond.

47. Mr. R. W. Elliott

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give the number of re-training places available in Government training centres in the Northern Region; and whether he proposes to increase this number.

Mr. Hattersley

There are 845 training places at the four Government training centres in the Northern Region—Billingham, Felling, Killingworth and Tursdale—with a potential output of approximately 1,500 trainees each year. A fifth centre will open at Maryport next year and two more at Darlington and near Durham in 1969. When all these centres are fully operational and existing centres have been expanded, there will be 1,855 training places in the region, with an approximate annual output of over 3,000 trainees.

Mr. Elliott

While thanking the hon. Gentleman for that statement, may I ask him to say whether the Government have any proposals for South-East Northumberland with regard to the establishment of retraining centres, and will he and his colleagues pay due regard to the great need that there will be, particularly in that area, for the retraining of miners?

Mr. Hattersley

The Government are keeping under review the need for additional Government training centres. The hon. Gentleman will know that the latest statement is only six weeks old, and, therefore, he should not look forward in the immediate future to another announcement.