§ Mr. Ray Powellasked the Secretary of State for Wales what numbers of persons were registered as employed and unemployed in 1979 and in 1987 in Wales.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerIn June 1979 the number of employees in employment in Wales was estimated to be 1,033,000, and the number of self-employed 124,000. Corresponding figures for June 1986 — the latest available— were up 861,000 and 154,000 respectively. Figures for adult unemployed claimants for the same dates were 70,000 and 175,000 on a seasonally adjusted basis.
§ Mr. Ray PowellSome of us viewed with trepidation the appointment of the Secretary of State for Wales, but we accepted the fact that, like my parents, who came from Worcester, he would, perhaps, bring something good into Wales.
However, he started by praising his predecessor. It is appalling to think, given the legacy left to the Secretary of State by his predecessor, that he can stand at the Dispatch 10 Box and praise him. Is he aware that in Ogmore, when his predecessor was appointed in 1979, the unemployment rate was 3.7 per cent. in the Port Talbot travel-to-work area? It is now 18.7 per cent. What will the right hon. Gentleman do, and what aid will he give us to try to resolve that appalling unemployment in Wales?
§ Mr. WalkerMay I first say how delighted I am to hear of the hon. Gentleman's association with Worcester. I welcome that.
Yes, unemployment in the hon. Gentleman's constituency is very high. I wish to see it reduced. In fairness to my predecessor, I can only say again that he had to act in my present capacity during what was the worst world recession in manufacturing this century. I am delighted that, as a result of many of the actions that he took, Wales has had a fast-improving trend over the past year, and a great deal of inward investment and new commercial and economic activity are taking place there.