HC Deb 12 April 1983 vol 40 c661
18. Mr. Hardy

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the rate of increase in unemployment in south Yorkshire.

Mr. Alison

The percentage increase in registered unemployment in the year to October 1982 was 9 per cent. in south Yorkshire, compared with 10 per cent. for the United Kingdom. Since October 1982 the increase in the number of unemployed claimants has been in the range of 4 to 5 per cent. in both south Yorkshire and the United Kingdom. The figures include school leavers and are not seasonally adjusted.

Mr. Hardy

Will the Minister confirm that, as a result of Government policies, we have been losing jobs at a rate of 100 a day in south Yorkshire? Can he confirm that we have now passed the sad and tragic landmark of 100,000 unemployed in a county with a population of 1¼ million?

Mr. Alison

I cannot confirm that, and I am sure that the hon. Gentleman does not believe that it is Government policy to reduce jobs and create unemployment. More than 17,000 people in south Yorkshire were placed in employment by the employment services during the past 12 months.

Mr. Edwin Wainwright

Does the Minister realise that, although percentages do not usually matter, they are very important in the Mexborough area? Despite the fact that the Government have removed many categories from the unemployment register, is he aware that the area now has 23 per cent. unemployment? When will he do something for that district?

Mr. Alison

We are well aware, as the hon. Gentleman knows, of the high unemployment in the Mexborough area, which is why special provision is being made to help it.