HC Deb 27 June 1983 vol 44 cc331-2
3. Mr. Wardell

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what was the rate of increase in the number of 19-year-old persons unemployed for 52 weeks and over in west Glamorgan between April 1979 and April 1983.

The Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Nicholas Edwards)

Between May 1979 and April 1983 the number of 19-year-olds unemployed for more than 52 weeks in west Glamorgan increased from 67 to 649.

Mr. Wardell

My question related to the period between 1979 and 1983, during which time the number of unemployed 19-year-olds in west Glamorgan went up from 67 to 649—an increase of 869 per cent. Will the Secretary of State outline his plans for improving real job prospects for the young people of west Glamorgan and Wales when the Government complete the window dressing exercise which they dubiously label "training schemes"?

Mr. Edwards

We have just spent several weeks in public outlining our policies, and the Labour party outlined its policies. There is no point in reiterating our general economic policies, but there is clear evidence that the economic recovery is gathering strength. A major new training scheme is to be launched this autumn.

Mr. Denzil Davies

Are not the figures a terrible and cruel indictment of the Government's economic policies in Wales? Since, according to the Government's forecast for growth, there is unlikely to be a fall in unemployment in Wales, will the Secretary of State confirm that he will not be party to any Government decision that seeks to cut the real value of unemployment benefit?

Mr. Edwards

I am not prepared to answer hypothetical questions. The Government have maintained a high level of unemployment support. We have launched training and other schemes for the unemployed on a record scale. We have a manifesto commitment to continue such help during a period when unemployment is clearly very high.

Mr. Davies

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the question'? On the proposals in the forecast for growth, which are about 2 per cent. in the next few years, there are not likely to be any reductions in unemployment in Wales. Will he give a commitment that he will not be a party to cutting unemployment benefit in real terms?

Mr. Edwards

As I told the right hon. Gentleman, I have no intention of giving the blanket undertakings about future policy far into the future that were characteristic of the wholly dishonest pledges and undertakings given by the Opposition during the election campaign on so many issues, including job creation. I do not propose to go down that road, and the electorate showed no taste for it either. We shall continue to give substantial support to those who are out of work and to training and other schemes to assist the unemployed, just as we shall continue to pursue policies to improve economic conditions in Wales.