HC Deb 24 January 1984 vol 52 cc753-4
5. Mr. Freud

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many staff were employed in jobcentres in Cambridgeshire (a) at the latest date and (b) in June 1979; and if he will make a statement.

The Under-Secretary of State for Employment (Mr. Alan Clark)

The numbers of staff employed were as follows: 1 January 1984, 70; 1 June 1979, 86.

Mr. Freud

I realise that the fall in numbers employed relates to the clientele which has been lost, but will the Minister consider giving my constituents more incentive to go to jobcentres by creating more employment, especially for unskilled workers?

Mr. Clark

I am surprised at the hon. Gentleman's reference to a fall in clientele. If the jobcentres in his area are anything like those which I have visited throughout the country, vacancies are never less than 40 per cent. higher than, and usually double, what they were at this time last year.

Mr. Skinner

rose—

Mr. Speaker

I trust that the hon. Gentleman's question relates to Cambridgeshire.

Mr. Skinner

Yes, Mr. Speaker.

During his tour of the jobcentres in Cambridgeshire, did the Minister carry out a survey of the number of people able to say what the initials of the trade union GMBATU stand for? As he could not tell the Standing Committee this morning, will he tell us now that I have given him another chance?

Mr. Clark

It is not really within my responsibility to conduct such a survey.

Mr. Skinner

I will give the Minister a clue — "General".

Mr. Clark

Naturally, I am delighted that the hon. Gentleman follows the proceedings upstairs so closely.

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