§ 31. Mr. James Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many new jobs have been created in Lanarkshire since 18th June 1970; and how these figures compare with the number of jobs declared redundant over the same period.
§ Mr. ChatawayNo comparison is possible because comprehensive figures of jobs created in both the manufacturing and service sectors are not available.
§ Mr. HamiltonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware nevertheless that in June 1970 unemployment in Lanarkshire was 4.7 per cent. and that the last figures presented to us last week show that the percentage is 7.3? Is he aware of the job loss we have had in the county of Lanarkshire, a job loss which is coming also through less steel production? On 29 that basis is he now prepared to tell us what he is going to do for Lanarkshire before it becomes a desert in this industrial area?
§ Mr. ChatawayI entirely accept what the hon. Member says about the high level of unemployment in Lanarkshire, and it is a fact that it is too high, but he will know that unemployment has dropped by some 12 per cent. in the past year. We are determined to maintain that downward trend.