HC Deb 26 March 1970 vol 798 cc1625-6
6. Mr. Arthur Davidson

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what are the latest employment figures for North-East Lancashire; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Dell

The estimated number of employees in employment in North-East Lancashire at June, 1968, was 197,000. A corresponding estimate for June, 1969, should become available during the next month or two, probably in May.

The designation of North-East Lancashire as an intermediate area should do much to alleviate the economic problems of the area.

Mr. Davidson

As new industry is now coming to North-East Lancashire at an unprecedented rate, would my hon. Friend confirm that his Department is giving top priority to ensuring that we do not suffer from the fact that there is at present a shortage of skilled labour and that he is doing all in his power to ensure that skilled labour remains in the area and that more goes to it?

Mr. Dell

Training grants have been made available in intermediate areas to assist precisely the problem which my hon. Friend mentions.

Mr. Lane

Would the hon. Gentleman remind the House how many decades it is since the total national unemployment figure remained at over the 500,000 mark for a virtually continuous period of two-and-a-half years?

Mr. Speaker

Order. The Question is about North-East Lancashire.

Mr. Dell

As you point out, Mr. Speaker, the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question is hardly relevant. But he should remember that wage-related unemployment benefits and redundancy payments were only recently introduced.