HC Deb 01 July 1975 vol 894 cc1163-4
1. Mr. Tebbit

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the current level of unemployment in London.

The Under-Secretary of State for Employment (Mr. John Fraser)

On 9th June the rate of unemployment for Greater London was 2.2 per cent.

Mr. Tebbit

Does the Minister accept that this figure merely reflects the record June total of unemployed nationally? How does he explain it, considering the promise on which he was elected? Is it policy, accident, design, incompetence or what that has thrown out of work so many men and women in this country?

Mr. Fraser

I do not think the hon. Member could have been listening to the answer. The rate of unemployment in Greater London is among the lowest in the country. A good many job opportunities and vacancies are available. I think that the hon. Member's remarks, as so often, bear very little relevance to the Question.

Mr. Tebbit

That is utterly complacent and ignorant.

Mr. Christopher Price

Is my hon. Friend aware that the percentage of unemployment in London conceals some serious pockets of very bad unemployment? Is he aware that South-East London in particular is suffering in the worst possible way? Will he bear this in mind in any action the Government are taking?

Mr. Fraser

Yes. My hon. Friend is absolutely right. I represent such a constituency myself.

Mr. Tebbit

It is a different story now.

Mr. Fraser

Where there are high pockets of unemployment, these are being studied by Government Departments. There are real problems of high unemployment and other forms of deprivation and these are being looked at.