§ 72. Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the number of persons registered as unemployed and the number of notified vacancies remaining unfilled at the Canning Town and Stratford Employment Exchanges in West Ham on 12th January, 1959, was 2,212 and 472, respectively, whereas on 15th January, 1951, there were only 1,015 unemployed with 1,592 notified vacancies; what is the reason for this worsening of the employment situation in West Ham; and what action he proposes to take to improve the present position.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodYes. The major part of the increase in unemployment occurred over the past year and was due to a generally lower level of industrial activity and to the reduced volume of world seaborne trade. The Government have taken a number of measures to stimulate industrial activity at home and is doing what it can to improve world trade.