HC Deb 22 May 1972 vol 837 cc983-4
21. Mr. Nicholas Edwards

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what proportion of the fall in unemployment in Wales is accounted for by special factors.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

No factors can be identified which have not in some measure been present in previous years. This adds to the significance of the decrease of nearly 7,200 in the number unemployed, which is the largest decrease between April and May since 1940. [Laughter]

Mr. Edwards

Does my hon. Friend agree that this is one of the largest increases ever recorded, and that it is about three times the normal seasonal average? Does he also agree that it is an indication of economic recovery, and is it not extraordinary that this fact is treated with derision by the Opposition?

Mr. Gibson-Watt

Yes. I can never quite understand the Opposition's attitude to unemployment. All I would say is that I think the figures to which I have referred should be greeted with cautious optimism; they are certainly a matter of great encouragement, both to those who are affected and also to the Government whose policies seem to be taking some effect.

Mr. Ellis

Can the Minister of State comment on the Report of the Welsh Council published some months ago entitled "Wales, Employment and the Economy"? Can he make a statement reconciling the figure of 6 per cent. growth in the British economy referred to by the Welsh Council as being of imperative importance if unemployment in Wales is to be reduced to an acceptable level by a reasonable period of time and the 5 per cent. growth referred to by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his Budget speech?

Mr. Gibson-Watt

We always consider very seriously the views of the Welsh Council, but I cannot go into details in answer to the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question.

Mr. George Thomas

Is the Minister of State aware that we were amused at his use of the statistics, and that both sides of the House rejoice in the fall in unemployment? Is he further aware that unemployment in Wales is the highest in May since 1940, a fact which he forgot to mention to the House? Also, is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Government have an all-time record for the speed with which they increased unemployment in the Principality and that they ought to work to get an all-time record for a reduction?

Mr. Gibson-Watt

What I was trying to say is that I and the Government are glad at the improvement, and we hope that it will continue.