HC Deb 20 May 1975 vol 892 cc1206-7
15. Mr. Tebbit

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people are now registered as unemployed in Wales.

Mr. John Fraser

On 14th April the number was 59,554.

Mr. Tebbit

Will the Minister turn his attention to the position of Ebbw Vale? Does not he agree that it has always been the clear policy of the British Steel Corporation in relation to Ebbw Vale that new jobs should be provided in different industries at the same time as the closures took place and jobs were lost? Therefore, is not it regrettable that the Secretary of State should have changed his view so much, apparently, in recent times from when he supported the BSC's sensible policy to a point at which he now appears to be opposing it?

Mr. Fraser

I think that the hon. Gentleman's sudden interest in Wales is a matter more of mischief than of interest. The people of Ebbw Vale will be well pleased with the representations made on their behalf by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.

Mr. Kinnock

Does my right hon. Friend agree that the ignorance of the hon. Member for Chingford (Mr. Tebbit) is exceeded only by his stupidity, that he has absolutely nothing in common with the people represented by the Secretary of State and myself, and that only his total ignorance of the precise situation in Ebbw Vale could lead him to believe the rubbish which has been written in the newspapers and attributed to my right hon. Friend, and, indeed, to the men and women in Ebbw Vale, from whose agony the hon. Gentleman seeks to profit?

Mr. Fraser

I find it difficult to add to what my hon. Friend has said.