HC Deb 16 July 1970 vol 803 cc1701-2
8. Mr. Wingfield Digby

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many unfilled vacancies for jobs there are in Dorset excluding Poole.

Mr. Dudley Smith

The Department's vacancy figures relate only to vacancies which were notified to Employment Exchanges and Youth Employment Service Careers Offices and which remained unfilled on a selected day. They do not measure the total demand for labour. On 3rd June, 913 notified vacancies remained unfilled in Dorset excluding Poole.

Mr. Wingfield Digby

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is a need in Dorset not only for more vacancies but for vacancies for better-paid jobs? Will he consult my right hon. Friend the Minister of Technology about this?

Mr. Smith

I am certainly prepared to do that. According to the latest estimates by industrialists, there are nearly 2,200 jobs in prospect for the area over the next four years.

16. Mr. Wingfield Digby

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what are the latest figures for unemployment in Dorset, including Poole; what were the comparable figures for October 1964; and which trades showed the biggest increase in unemployed.

Mr. Dudley Smith

Total numbers registered as unemployed in Dorset at June 1970 and October 1964 were 2,710 and 1,701, respectively. From June 1964 to June 1970 the greatest increases were just over 400 in manufacturing industries, just over 300 in construction and more than 200 in insurance, banking, finance and miscellanous services.

Mr. Wingfield Digby

Is my hon. Friend aware of the need again to improve job opportunities in Dorset, opportunities which deteriorated greatly under the last Government, particularly for school leavers if they are not to be lost to the county for good?

Mr. Smith

Yes, Sir. We are well aware of that and the Department is doing everything it can to help those out of work. The percentage varies considerably even within my hon. Friend's constituency, from as much as 3.7 per cent. in Bridport to 1.5 per cent. in Dorchester. We are not complacent about the situation.

Mr. David James

Is my hon. Friend aware that these considerations apply particularly to the areas around Gillingham and Shaftesbury in North Dorset?

Mr. Smith

Yes, Sir. I take note of my hon. Friend's remarks.