HC Deb 13 May 1968 vol 764 cc832-3
3. Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity whether she will make a statement on the unemployment position in the Portsmouth travel-to-work area, with special reference to age, sex and skills; and how the relevant figures compare with those both of the South-East Region and of the country as a whole.

The Under-Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity (Mr. E. Fernyhough)

On 8th April the unemployment rate for the Portsmouth travel-to-work area was 3.1 per cent. compared with 2.5 per cent. for Great Britain, 1.7 per cent. for the London and South-Eastern Region and 1.8 per cent. for the Eastern and Southern Region. I will, with permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT tables showing the detailed position on age, sex and skills.

Mr. Judd

Is my hon. Friend aware that, following the drastic closure of Hawker Siddeley, the admiral superintendent of the naval dockyard has now said that there may be a significant rundown of labour requirements in the naval dockyard? Does not he agree that full utilisation of labour and capital resources in the South and the South-East is essential for Britain's economic growth, and will he assure us that we shall have a full statement on the Government's co-ordinated policy for the area as soon as possible?

Mr. Fernyhough

I agree that the resources to which my hon. Friend refers should be utilised in the interest of the nation. As regards the dockyard, I can only give my hon. Friend the assurance which I gave him when I met a deputation which he brought to see me some time ago, that there will be the fullest consultation with the trade unions and the local authorities before any further steps are taken.

Following is the information:

AGE ANALYSIS OF UNEMPLOYED, JANUARY, 1968
Males Females
Under 20 and 20 and under 40 40 and over Under 20 20 and under 40 40 and over
Per cent. Per cent. Per cent. Per cent. Per cent. Per cent.
Portsmouth … … 9.7 43.5 46.8 25.8 36.7 37.5
South East England … … 8.4 42.8 48.8 19.6 41.8 38.6
Great Britain … … 9.4 42.4 48.8 23.2 41.5 35.3