HC Deb 02 February 1988 vol 126 cc840-1
5. Mr. Kirkhope

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the current level of job vacancies in Yorkshire.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Employment (Mr. John Lee)

On 4 December 1987 the number of unfilled vacancies registered at jobcentres in Yorkshire was 13,200—a 21 per cent. increase on the past year. However, only about one third of all vacancies are notified to jobcentres.

Mr. Kirkhope

I thank my hon. Friend for that helpful reply. It clearly and conclusively shows that the Government's economic policy is having a strong effect south of England but all over the country, and in particular in Yorkshire. Arising from that answer, will he advise us of its effect on the levels of employment in Yorkshire and in my constituency, Leeds, North-East.

Mr. Lee

Unemployment in Leeds, North-East has fallen by about 700 in the past year.

Mr. Duffy

Does the Minister agree that in the main those figures were registered in North Yorkshire and in the area in which the constituency of the hon. Member for Leeds, North-East (Mr. Kirkhope) is located, West Yorkshire? Unemployment remains well above the national average in South Yorkshire and on Humberside. Will the Minister say why, under the Government, South Yorkshire has received more money from Europe for infrastructure projects than it has received through its assisted area status?

Mr. Lee

European funding is not a question for me. With regard to funding under the urban programme in 1987–88, Yorkshire and Humberside received £25 million in total. I acknowledge the hon. Gentleman's earlier point that the problems are worse in certain parts of Yorkshire than in others, but that is because of the decline in traditional industries.

Mr. Jack

Does my hon. Friend agree that if those seeking to fill vacancies in Yorkshire do not find a job of their choice, over the border in Lancashire they would find an equally appetising array of vacancies and training available?

Mr. Lee

My hon. Friend is correct. There are some vacancies in Lancashire, but we are aware of the problem of mobility in terms of house prices.

Mr. Strang

Surely the Minister is aware that at present there are 250,000 unemployed people chasing 16,000 vacancies in the Yorkshire and Humberside region. Is he suggesting that that is a satisfactory state of affairs?

Mr. Lee

I am suggesting that the position is steadily improving, and that over the past 18 months it has done so nationally as well as in Yorkshire.