§ 10. Mr. Fatchettasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the ratio of unemployed persons to unfilled vacancies, on the latest available figures.
§ The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office (Mr. Adam Butler)At June 1983 the ratio of unemployed persons to registered unfilled vacancies in Northern Ireland was 68:1.
§ Mr. FatchettI am sure the Minister recognises that that ratio tells a sorry story and that unemployment in Northern Ireland doubled under the previous Conservative Administration. Is he aware that the further cuts in public spending rumoured in certain newspapers will add to the dreadful unemployment in Northern Ireland? Will he give a commitment that he will resist further cuts in public spending?
§ Mr. ButlerI welcome the hon. Gentleman to our Northern Ireland proceedings. I hope that he will continue to play a part and will visit us in Northern Ireland. There is no denying the seriousness of unemployment in the Province. The Government are tackling it in the best way that they can. Those who clamour for further increases in expenditure will not achieve the objective that they seek. If, as I hope, there continues to be a proper and prudent approach to Government expenditure in Northern Ireland, it will benefit from the lower interest rates and other advantages that follow.
§ Mr. SoleyIs not the figure of 68:1 an appalling measure of this Government's disastrous economic policies, and a terrible warning to the rest of the country? Does not that figure show more than anything else that the economy is not recovering? Is it not equally clear that the investment in the pipeline will not significantly improve that figure? What steps will the Government take to alleviate unemployment and, above all, improve the availability of jobs in Northern Ireland?
§ Mr. ButlerThe hon. Gentleman is making the great mistake of attaching too much importance to that figure. What matters is the small increase in the number of vacancies that are appearing. The position has improved, albeit marginally, over the past six months and that is a cause for small encouragement.