HC Deb 25 March 1968 vol 761 cc887-8
10. Mr. Judd

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a statement on the unemployment position in Portsmouth.

Mr. Fernyhough

On 11th March there were 2,595 persons—2,195 men and 40 boys, 317 women and 43, girls—including 11 temporarily stopped regi- stered as unemployed at the Portsmouth employment exchange. The unemployment rate for the Portsmouth travel to work area was 3.1 per cent. compared with 3.2 per cent. in February, 1968, and 3.1 per cent. in March, 1967.

Mr. Judd

Does not my hon. Friend agree that this is almost the highest level of unemployment for the region as a whole? Does not he further agree that, if we are to have economic growth in the country as a whole, we cannot afford to under-utilise labour resources in the South-East?

Mr. Fernyhough

We cannot afford under-utilisation of labour anywhere. My hon. Friend and some of his colleagues are bringing a deputation to see me on Wednesday and I presume that this is one of the matters they want to discuss.