HC Deb 17 July 1979 vol 970 cc1292-3
18. Mr. Edwin Wainwright

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the numbers of males, females, boys and girls, respectively, registered as unemployed at the latest available date; and if he will make a statement on what action he is taking to find suitable jobs for these unemployed persons.

Mr. Jim Lester

At 14 June, 887,211 males and 393,891 females were registered as unemployed in Great Britain. These figures include 74,731 male and 62,379 female school leavers under 18 years of age. The Manpower Services Commission helps to find suitable jobs for unemployed people by placing them directly into permanent employment through its advisory and placement services, by supporting—either directly or indirectly—a wide range of traning facilities and, together with my Department, by operating the special employment and training measures which provide worthwhile training, work experience and jobs which are concentrated in areas of greatest need.

Mr. Wainwright

Does the hon. Gentleman believe that the Government's policies as outlined in the Budget will provide more jobs in the future and therefore help his Department? What is the Department doing, in discussions with the Cabinet, to ensure that more jobs are provided in areas such as mine where the unemployment rate is 9 or 10 per cent.? That rate has been high for some time and is bound to rise unless the Government change their policies.

Mr. Lester

I believe that our policies will provide more jobs. Certainly the Labour Government's policies did not do that. They doubled unemployment in five years.

Dr. Hampson

Since many industries are still crying out for skilled labour, will my hon. Friend guarantee the role of the training advisers at the industrial training boards? Will he ensure that they continue to be recruited since they represent the cutting edge of the training programme? They are suffering cutbacks, while the Manpower Services Commission's staff are being protected.

Mr. Lester

I shall examine that question.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

When will unemployment reach 2 million?

Mr. Lester

One does not make forecasts.

Mr. Greville Janner

How many of the unemployed men are aged between 60 and 65?

Mr. Lester

It is impossible to estimate the numbers while at the Dispatch Box. I shall give the hon. and learned Gentleman accurate figures later.