§ 14. Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the number of unemployed in the United Kingdom at the latest available date; and what are the figures for women and young people, respectively.
§ Mr. Jim LesterAt 8 May, the provisional number of people registered as unemployed in the United Kingdom was 1,509,191 of whom 460,639 were females. An age analysis was last made in April when the number under 20 years of age was 258,210 out of a total of 1.522,927.
§ Mr. HughesAre not these figures reaching near catastrophic proportions, certainly in such areas as South Wales? Do not the Government think that they have done enough damage to the economy already, particularly regarding unemployment? Have not sanctions against Iran disrupted our trade and, therefore, employment prospects?
§ Mr. LesterThe figures cause everyone concern. Where we disagree is about the methods for bringing them down. We believe that the figures will be brought down by making British industry more competitive through products that sell. That is the only way, in the end, to provide jobs.