HC Deb 30 January 1969 vol 776 cc1503-4
15. Mr. Gwynfor Evans

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to reduce the growing migration from Wales, and the growing unemployment including hidden unemployment, in Wales.

Mr. George Thomas

There is no evidence that migration from Wales is growing, and the published statistics show that there is an encouraging downward trend in the seasonably adjusted unemployment figures. I attribute this to the success of the Government's policies.

Mr. Evans

Is the Minister aware that he has given no answer to the Question, which asked what were his plans? In any case the Government's policy is utterly inadequate. In view of the absolute drop of 39,000 in the number of jobs for men between 1964 and 1968, and the fact that the low activity rate in Wales is dropping still further, giving a hidden unemployment of about 200,000, is he aware that if migration continues at the present rate we shall have lost 1 million of the people of Wales in a quarter of a century?

Mr. Thomas

That is a lot of poppycock. The hon. Member thrives on grievances and tries to create them.

Mrs. Ewing

Answer the question.

Mr. Thomas

I am answering the question—and I do not need any help from Scotland. The hon. Member should know that last year 7,000 more people were found jobs in Wales than in the year before. Everything that is encouraging to the rest of Wales is discouraging to the hon. Member.

Mr. William Edwards

Is my right hon. Friend aware that one of the ways in which migration can be stopped and the trend reversed is by the development of new towns and the building up of existing towns in Wales, and that when that is being done in various localities by Government policy it is always opposed by the party opposite?

Mr. Thomas

I accept what my hon. Friend says about the advantage of new towns and growth areas, but I must discount this strange idea of migration from Wales. The argument of the hon. Member for Carmarthen (Mr. Gwynfor Evans) is not founded on fact.

Mr. Hooson

But would the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the great importance of providing employment opportunities for young technologists and scientists, and that there is great concern in Wales because there is no employment opportunity at that level, and the importance, therefore, of having research and development establishments set up in Wales?

Mr. Thomas

I am ever mindful of the need of opportunities for our young technologists and am glad to tell the House that the new industry which is coming to Wales considerably increased that opportunity during the past six months. It is modern, soundly-based industry, which will give greater opportunity to our young people, and I want more.