§ 13. Mr. Leadbitterasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the trends of unemployment in the Hartlepool exchange area.
§ Mr. Dudley SmithUnemployment in Hartlepool has been and still is too high, but the situation improved significantly over the past year.
§ Mr. LeadbitterThe first part of the hon. Gentleman's answer is abundantly clear and correct. The last part is stupid and irresponsible. Will he bear in mind that by 1975—that is, two years from now— a further 2,800 jobs will be lost in the town due to the closure of the steelworks? Two years following that a further 1,700 jobs will be lost. The present unemployment is over 3,000. The hon. Gentleman's thinking in the House is utter nonsense. Will he not do something about it?
§ Mr. SmithThe "utter nonsense" is the figures which are officially compiled. Unemployment amongst men and boys in Hartlepool has fallen by over 1,000 in the past year, from 3,590 to 2,480. The rate has fallen from 10.4 per cent. in March 1972 to 7.4 per cent. this March. We have never pretended that the position in Hartlepool was anything other than serious. We know perfectly well that the steel closures will present a considerable problem. That is why we set up a task force to prepare proposals for comprehensive economic and social measures to deal with the rundown.
§ Mr. LeadbitterToo long.
§ Mr. SmithThe Hartlepools has been made a special development area. Assistance is now available under the Industry Act. No Government could be doing more for an area which has suffered under difficulty for a very long 1083 time, including the time of the last Labour Government. It is irresponsible and stupid of the hon. Member to make statements like that.