HC Deb 27 April 1987 vol 115 cc18-20
20. Sir Raymond Gower

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will state the number of notified vacancies for jobs in Wales and in the Vale of Glamorgan, respectively, at the latest convenient date.

Mr. Nicholas Edwards

The number of vacancies notified to jobcentres and career offices in Wales on 6 March 1987 were 12,100 and 300 respectively. This information is not available on a constituency basis, but the corresponding figures for South Glamorgan are 1,580 and 83.

Sir Raymond Gower

Do these figures show an increase over the past 12 months?

Mr. Edwards

There has been a satisfactory level of unfilled vacancies, showing the number of jobs that are available. My hon. Friend should understand that only a proportion of job vacancies are notified to jobcentres and career offices, and there has been a dramatic increase in the amount of newspaper advertising for jobs, particularly in Cardiff and the surrounding areas. I am sure that he will have seen with pleasure the recent survey by the Cardiff chamber of commerce and industry, which says that south Wales is heading for an economic boom.

Mr. Barry Jones

Will the right hon. Gentleman agree with me that, in Clwyd, British Aerospace is going great guns? Will he take this opportunity to demonstrate his full support for the £750 million launch-aid for the Airbus A330, A340, and will he say whether the Government will make a statement? Does he know that many Welsh jobs hang on that decision?

Mr. Edwards

I am glad to agree with the hon. Gentleman that that company, like so many others in Wales, is going great guns. The hon. Gentleman knows perfectly well that the question whether a statement is made from the Dispatch Box is not my responsibility.

Sir Anthony Meyer

I support the hon. Member for Alyn and Deeside (Mr. Jones) in emphasising the enormous importance of that project, not only to north Wales, but to the aviation industry generally. I hope that my right hon. Friend will exercise what influence he can to ensure that the necessary launch-aid is forthcoming.

Mr. Edwards

I agree with my hon. Friend that this is an extremely important project, and that it is a company whose future is of the greatest significance to his constituents and many others. He would not expect me to make a statement on the subject this afternoon because, as he knows, I am not the Minister who is primarily responsible.