§ 7. Mr. Andersonasked the Secretary of State for Wales to what extent male unemployment has risen in West Glamorgan from May 1979 in numerical and percentage terms.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsBetween May 1979 and June 1981 male unemployment increased by 9,341—an increase of 115.8 per cent.
§ Mr. AndersonWill the right hon. Gentleman coolly reflect on his answer as showing not only the erosion of the manufacturing base of the county but the absurdity that, at a time when this base is being eroded and when male unemployment has increased by 115 per cent., all that the Government have done over that intervening period has been to downgrade several parts of West 787 Glamorgan for regional development purposes when the Select Committee on Welsh Affairs has recommended that Swansea, Neath and Aberdare should be upgraded?
§ Mr. EdwardsI understand the regional arguments very well, but if we are to make changes in the regional pattern we have to consider them in the context of the United Kingdom as a whole and make sure that changes elsewhere do not have damaging consequences for Wales. Although the position in West Wales is very serious—I do not in any way understate it—areas in England have deteriorated even more sharply. We must get the balance right so that we can deal with the worst problems and concentrate help where the greatest need falls.
§ Mr. D. E. ThomasIn view of the fact that the Bangor economists got their prediction right this year, what does the Secretary of State now say about their prediction of 200,000 unemployed in Wales at the beginning of next year?
§ Mr. EdwardsI have never commented on any of their predictions and I have always refused to make forecasts. But I do not place much value on an economic study that makes no mention of competitiveness, the performance of our competitors, the condition of industry or any of the realities that confront business people who are manufacturing and trying to sell goods.
§ Mr. Delwyn WilliamsIn the light of these figures and other figures that we have heard today, will my right hon. Friend commend the restraint and good sense of the young people of Wales as an example to the rest of the young people of the United Kingdom? Will he also commend the admirable way in which they have behaved during the recent riot-strewn days? [Interruption.] Does he agree that that is the result of their traditional Welsh way of life and upbringing and their appreciation of the traditional way of life in Wales?
§ Mr. EdwardsI am surprised that Labour Members should be murmuring at those remarks, with which I entirely agree. The steel workers in places such as Llanwern and Port Talbot, which I visited a week or two ago, have shown that they understand that the way to save jobs and stay in business is to be as competitive as any other plant in the world. They are giving a magnificent lead. I hope that no one in the House will do anything other than encourage the people of Wales to act responsibly. The reputation of our work force is our greatest single asset. That is why, during the recession, we are more successful in filling our factories than people in other parts of the United Kingdom. That is also why there is a sharp upturn in inquiries, visits and factory allocations.