§ 18. Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what was the total number of unemployed in Wales in 1979 and at the latest date; and what is the change, expressed as a percentage of the 1979 figure.
§ 4. Mr. Ray Powellasked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the total number of males and females unemployed in Wales at the latest date for which figures are available; how many were unemployed in May 1979; and what, in percentage terms, is the difference.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsOn 10 January 1985 total unemployment in Wales was 185,529, comprising 131,720 males and 53,809 females. In May 1979 the equivalent figures were 77,200, 55,800, and 21,400, respectively—an increase of 140.3, 136.1 and 151.4 per cent.
§ Mr. HughesIn relation to those disgraceful figures, has the Secretary of State's attention been drawn to the article in the Financial Times this morning, which said that the Japanese Honda company had acquired a huge 330-acre site in Swindon for the development of an engine plant and full car production? Does he appreciate the anxiety that that has caused throughout British Leyland's ranks? If that project is to go ahead, will he ensure that the Government have the necessary powers to see that that plant comes to South Wales; or is he prepared to see the further rundown of our communities?
§ Mr. EdwardsI have, of course, seen this morning's press reports. I am aware that Honda has taken a site at Swindon, where it intends to carry out pre-delivery inspection of cars manufactured jointly with BL as well as perhaps producing certain components. No proposal for a major car assembly facility has been put to the Government by Honda. If such a proposal were advanced, we should clearly have to consider it carefully and judge whether mutually acceptable arrangements to benefit the United Kingdom as a whole could be worked out.