HC Deb 30 June 1981 vol 7 cc692-3
13. Mr. Sheerman

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the percentage increase in unemployment in men and women over the last three years.

Mr. Peter Morrison

Between June 1978 and June 1981 the numbers of males and females registered as unemployed in the United Kingdom increased by 87.5 per cent. and 80.3 per cent. respectively.

Mr. Sheerman

Is the Minister aware that in the light of those appalling increases our people can no longer believe that the Government are not utterly bereft of new ideas? Does he realise that in my constituency unemployment has been raised by the Government from 3.8 per cent. to 12.6 per cent.? Is he aware that that is appalling and is mostly among young, skilled people in a highly productive area of Britain? Does he realise that the growth of criminality, the growth of the British Movement and the increase in general social disorder that go with unemployment will be on his and the Government's conscience?

Mr. Morrison

I am aware that the Government have reacted by enormously increasing the amount of money that they are prepared to put into special measures. This year, as my right hon. Friend said earlier, it is almost £1 billion. I am also aware that last year over 6 million people found jobs, but that is not the story that one hears from the Opposition.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

I welcome the large sum that the Government have devoted to the special measures described earlier by my hon. Friend. However, does he not agree that it would be better to put public money into selective constructive capital projects to give both young and old meaningful long-term employment? Is he aware that much of that money would come back into the private sector, thus benefiting the sector that has been penalised to date?

Mr. Morrison

As my hon. Friend is aware, the Department of Industry invests money in the way that he requires. The Department of Employment also is spending more money than before on special measures, as I pointed out.

Mr. John Evans

Is the Minister aware, that unemployment in the Warrington travel-to-work area has gone from 5.2 per cent. in 1979 to 12.8 per cent now? What message will he give to the people of Warrington about why they should vote Tory in the forthcoming by-election?

Mr. Morrison

I am aware that unemployment in the Warrington area has increased, as the hon. Gentleman said. I am also aware that the amount of money going into the Warrington area in terms of special measures has also increased substantially. I have noticed that, despite the great Liberal and Social Democratic alliance, no Liberal Member has been present for unemployment questions today. I wonder whether that point will be noted in Warrington.

Back to