§ 31. Mr. Gardnerasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what are the latest figures of registered unemployed in the Nottingham area.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity (Mr. E. Fernyhough)In the area covered by Nottingham, Arnold, Basford and Bulwell, Beeston, Hucknall and Nether-field Employment Exchanges, there were 5,750 persons registered as unemployed at 8th April, 1968, and the rate of unemployment was 2.3 per cent.
§ Mr. GardnerI welcome the decline in unemployment in the area and also the increase in employment opportunities, particularly for school leavers. In view of the continuing programme of colliery closures in the East Midlands, does not my hon. Friend agree that these opportunities need to be developed?
§ Mr. FernyhoughMy hon. Friend may rest assured that we shall do everything we can in that direction.