HC Deb 23 October 1967 vol 751 cc1344-6
47. Mr. Channon

asked the Minister of Labour how many people at the most recent convenient date are registered as unemployed in the Southend area; what percentage of the working population this represents; and on what date at a similar period of the year either the number of unemployed or the percentage has been higher.

Mr. Fernyhough

At 9th October, 1967, 2,409 persons were registered as unemployed giving an unemployment rate for all employees of 4.1 per cent. The previous highest comparable October rate was in 1948, when it was also 4.1 per cent.

Comparable figures are available only from 1948, the date when the National Insurance Act, 1946, came into operation.

Mr. Channon

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that that is an extremely high figure indeed, considering the time of year, and before many people who are seasonally employed will come on the list? Does he recognise that Southend, like a great many other places, is very worried about the situation which is likely to develop this winter?

Mr. Fernyhough

I appreciate the hon. Gentleman's concern. Because of the unemployment rate in his constituency, I hope that the Hunt Committee, which is to look at what I would call the areas which have something above the national average in unemployment but not comparable to the development areas, will consider the problem. But he knows that in Southend there is now going ahead a great office development which it is anticipated will provide jobs for many thousands, which should absorb most of those who are now on the register.

Sir S. McAdden

Does the hon. Gentleman realise the significance of the figures which he has given? He said that the figure of 4.5 per cent. in 1967, under a Labour Government, was equalled only in 1948, under a previous Labour Government. It is significant for the people of Southend that this figure is recorded at a time when the seasonal workers are fully employed, because the season in Southend does not end until the middle of October.

Mr. Fernyhough

It is true that the figures, as a percentage, are identical with those in 1948. But the present high rate of unemployment in the area results from the fact that commuters are excluded from the insured employees in Southend on whom the unemployment is calculated. If they were included, the unemployment rate would not differ much from the national average.

Mr. R. Carr

The hon. Gentleman mentioned the Hunt Committee. If action in this area and many other similar so-called grey areas throughout the country is awaiting the report of the Hunt Committee, may I ask the hon. Gentleman when that Committee will report?

Mr. Fernyhough

I am not in a position to tell the hon. Gentleman when it will report, but we hope that it will do so as soon as it has had a good look at the position and has been able to determine what it thinks should be done.

Sir S. McAdden

On a point of order. In view of the very unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I give notice that my hon. Friend the Member for Southend, West (Mr. Channon) and myself will raise this matter on the Adjournment.