HC Deb 29 April 1971 vol 816 cc692-4
12. Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the latest figures for unemployment in national, regional and percentage terms.

Mr. Dudley Smith

On 5th April, 1971 the total number registered as unemployed in Great Britain was 774,533 or 3.4 per cent.

I will with permission circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the information in respect of regions as it consists of a table of figures.

Mr. Skinner

Is the Minister aware that these figures represent approximately 60 million working days lost this year as a result of the Government's deliberate, calculated policy of increasing unemployment—five times more than the number of days lost in strikes, the figures for which, incidentally, have been published today? While the Tory women's Primrose League, which was addressed yesterday by the right hon. Gentleman, and the Monday Club, might appreciate these figures and the rigid discipline of the dole queue, is he aware that many well-informed sources consider that the unemployment situation is completely out of hand?

Mr. Smith

I deny absolutely that it is the calculated policy of the Government to increase unemployment.

Mr. Ashton

Of course it is.

Mr. Smith

The policy of the Government is to bring down unemployment.

Mr. Clinton Davis

When?

Mr. Smith

The policies of the last Government set off serious cost inflation and put the country on a course which inevitably started a steeply rising trend of unemployment. This will have to be remedied by getting the economy right, and we are taking steps towards that end.

Sir H. Legge-Bourke

Would my hon. Friend not agree that one of the most disturbing features in this total is that, even by January, of the total number unemployed, over 27 per cent. had been unemployed for more than six months? Bearing in mind that the lifetime of the Government is still only 10 months, is it not absolutely clear that what is now happening is that the labour force is suffering from the profligate policies of the previous Government?

Mr. Smith

My hon. and gallant Friend is absolutely right. One other thing I would add is that concern about unemployment figures is not the monopoly of one side of the House.

Mr. Dempsey

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the situation has become much more grave? Does he realise that because of the situation in the steel industry, sub-contracting industries are facing redundancies and that in my constituency it is reported that 150 men will work only one week out of two? Has he taken account of that and what is he doing about it?

Mr. Smith

It is not merely in one industry; it is spread over a wide area, as the hon. Gentleman knows. I appreciate the particular problems of Scotland. This is all tied up with the question of inflation, and we shall have an opportunity of debating that in detail later today, when my right hon. Friend will have some very adequate answers.

Following is the information:

TOTAL NUMBERS REGISTERED AS UNEMPLOYED AND PERCENTAGE RATES OF UNEMPLOYMENT AT 5TH APRIL, 1971 (PROVISIONAL)
Registered unemployed Percentage rate
South East 156,418 2.0
East Anglia 21,576 3.3
South Western 47,428 3.5
West Midlands 75,445 3.3
East Midlands 48,002 3.4
Yorkshire and Humberside 75,862 3.7
North Western 109,578 3.8
Northern 72,300 5.5
Wales 44,785 4.6
Scotland 123,139 5.7
Great Britain 774,533 3.4