HC Deb 20 July 1976 vol 915 cc1500-1
5. Sir A. Meyer

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what has been the increase or decrease in unemployment percentage in Wales since June 1974.

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

Based on seasonally-adjusted figures, which exclude school leavers, the percentages were 3.5 at June 1974 and 7.1 at July 1976, giving an increase of 3.6 percentage points. The figure for July 1976 is provisional.

Sir A. Meyer

In other words, the figure has more than doubled. Will the Under-Secretary suggest to the Secretary of State for Wales, who has presided over the largest unemployment figures in Welsh post-war history and done nothing to mitigate them, that he should set an example to other Ministers by resigning, especially as he voted against extra jobs for his steel working constituents in Port Talbot?

Mr. Golding

That comes ill from an hon. Member who voted for the closure of the Shotton steel works. The Secretary of State for Wales has been associated with a long record of measures to alleviate the levels of unemployment undertaken by the Government.

Mr. Wyn Roberts

Is it not clear that, with Welsh unemployment standing at 7.1 per cent.—the second highest in the United Kingdom—special measures are necessary? What special measures are the Government proposing to take?

Mr. Golding

The Government will shortly be making an announcement on further special measures to deal with unemployment. Selective measures have so far helped 12,000 workers in Wales. We have spent £40 million on advance factories, £4 million on the construction industry and have provided 400 community industry places.