§ 15. Mr. Hoosonasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many people are currently unemployed in Wales, including Monmouthshire; and what was the average monthly number of unemployed in Wales, including Monmouthshire, during 1968.
§ Mr. FernyhoughAt 10th February, 1969, the provisional total number registered as unemployed in Wales, including Monmouthshire, was 41,500. The average of the 12 counts made in 1968 was 39,200.
§ Mr. HoosonWould the Under-Secretary agree that these figures are still un-acceptably high? What is his evaluation of the prospects of bringing these down to somewhere near the national average?
§ Mr. FernyhoughI readily agree that they are high, and that is why we have a 1059 development area policy—one which is beginning to work in most development areas. There are 26,000 jobs in prospect, nearly two-thirds of which are for men and boys, in Wales. I am sure the hon. and learned Gentleman will appreciate what the Government are doing in setting up new industries and Government administrative centres. He will be aware of what has happened at Llantrisant, Swansea and Holyhead.