HC Deb 20 May 1980 vol 985 cc238-40
10. Dr. David Clark

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what were the total number of people out of work in the Northern region on the latest available figures; and what plans he has to reduce the level of unemployment in the region.

Mr. Jim Lester

At 8 May the provisional number of people registered as unemployed in the Northern region was 128,880.

As we have already suggested, changes in unemployment patterns in the future depend on a number of factors, not least being pay settlements, productivity and correct design of good products that are saleable.

Dr. Clark

Does the Minister realise that that represents 9.3 per cent. of the insured population, which encompasses levels of 19 per cent. male unemployment in South Shields? Will he take the opportunity now to answer the second part of my question: what plans has he to reduce the level of unemployment in the Northern region?

Mr. Lester

I accept the figures put forward by the hon. Gentleman. As I said, I was in his area only last weekend. The spending policy of the previous Labour Government did not provide the answers that the hon. Gentleman needs. We are trying to concentrate aid where it is most needed, to reduce Government demands and to create a genuine cycle of employment through real jobs, through people buying real products.

Mr. Urwin

Does the Minister realise that the figure of 9.3 per cent. represents half as much again as the national average and is the highest regional percentage, with the exception of Northern Ireland? Does he accept that it is time that the Government changed their economic and industrial policies in favour of the under-privileged areas of the United Kingdom?

Mr. Lester

We have already changed our policies to try to concentrate on those under-privileged areas. I think that the right hon. Gentleman should at least admit that we have been successful in obtaining shipbuilding orders through Government assistance in those areas.

There is a serious underlying structural change in the Northern region as bad as anywhere. That has been going on for many more years than this Government have been in power, and we all want to see an end to it.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

Is my hon. Friend aware that the influence of pay settlements is one aspect of increased unemployment, a matter which has not been mentioned by any Opposition Members all afternoon?

Mr. Lester

One of the anomalies in this country is that the highest areas for wages outside London are the Northern region and the North-West.

Mr. Wrigglesworth

Is the Minister aware that Government Departments which have promised orders to British shipbuilders have not yet placed those orders with the specific yards that will build them? Will he speak to his colleagues in other Departments which have these orders ready to be put to shipbuilding yards and make sure that they are put immediately to help to alleviate the unemployment problems in the Northern region?

Mr. Lester

I shall do anything that I possibly can to be helpful.