§ 11. Mr. Dubsasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people are now unemployed in the Wandsworth area; and how this figure compares with May 1979.
§ Mr. WaddingtonAt May 1982, the number of people registered as unemployed in the area covered by the Clapham Junction and Tooting employment offices, which corresponds closely to the London borough of Wandsworth, was 13,143. The corresponding number at May 1979 was 5,698.
§ Mr. DubsWill the Minister agree that there are no prospects of Government policy being likely to result in a reduction in the high level of unemployment in inner city areas such as Wandsworth? In the absence of any initiatives from the Government, will the Minister support those initiatives coming from the Greater London Council, which at least offer the prospect of the creation of a few more jobs in areas like Wandsworth?
§ Mr. WaddingtonAreas such as Wandsworth, and other parts of the country, will benefit as a result of our measures, which are reversing the deep-seated decline in the competitiveness of British industry, and as a result of our measures to create a soundly based economy. Jobs can be created only by firms that provide goods at prices that people are prepared to pay. I remind the hon. Gentleman that one of the most potent factors in the competitiveness of British industry is the amount of tax and rates that it has to pay. The hon. Gentleman should look next door to Wandsworth to see the worse position in Lambeth as a result of the irresponsible policies of the local authority.