§ 8. Mr. Dubsasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the current level of unemployment in Greater London; and what was the corresponding figure for May 1979.
§ Mr. GummerOn 13 October 1983 there were 351,800 unemployed claimants in Greater London; the corresponding figure for May 1979 was 127,800. These figures exclude school leavers and are seasonally adjusted.
§ Mr. DubsDoes the Minister agree that those are dismal figures? Will he comment on the more positive aspect of the employment scene in London, that being the policy followed by the GLC — especially through the Greater London enterprise board and the Greater London training board?
§ Mr. GummerIt is bad that so many people in London are unemployed. It is, in some senses, also bad that the hon. Gentleman still suggests that the GLC might save one or two jobs through its various schemes. That does not make up for the many thousands of jobs lost because of its high rates and ridiculous Socialist plans.
§ Sir Anthony GrantWould not the best contribution to employment in Greater London, and probably everywhere else, be to abolish lunatic councils such as the GLC and put County Hall to a useful purpose.
§ Mr. GummerThis Government intend to make that great contribution as soon as possible.