Unemployment (Northern Region) (Hansard, 6 November 1967)

§ Mr. Randall
asked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement on the latest unemployment position in Gateshead and the Northern Region.

§ Mr. Fernyhough
On 9th October, 1967, the total number of persons registered as unemployed in Gateshead was 1,874 (1,636 males and 238 females). In the Northern Region as a whole the total was 55,155 (45,227 males and 9,928 females). The percentage rates were 4.3 per cent. for the Tyneside group of local offices which includes Gateshead, and 4.1 per cent. for the Northern Region. These rates compare with 4.3 per cent. and 4.2 per cent., respectively, on 11th September, 1967, and 2.9 per cent. for both areas in October, 1966.

§ Mr. Randall
asked the Minister of Labour how many young persons, male and female, were registered unemployed in Gateshead at the latest date for which figures are available, stating the number of school-leavers included, and how these compare with the two previous months.

§ Mr. Fernyhough
Following is the information:

§ Mr. Roebuck
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what was the total cost to public funds of the recent visit to London, arranged by his Department, of a party of French journalists in connection with the application to join the European Economic Community; and if he will make a statement about the results of the visit.

§ Mr. William Rodgers
I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the group of 15 journalists whose tour lasted from 10th to 12th October. The cost of this 39W was £945. During their visit the journalists had the opportunity of discussing our application to join the European Economic Community with Ministers, Members of Parliament and leading figures in both sides of industry and the academic world, and were free to acquire a full picture of the British point of view.

§ Mr. Roebuck
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the names of hon. Members and other persons who have been on speaking tours of France sponsored by his Department in connection with the application to join the European Economic Community; what was the total cost to public funds with details of the expenditure; if he will cite the precedents for such tours; and what representations he has received from the Government of France concerning their effect.

§ Mr. William Rodgers
As part of its Overseas Information activities the Foreign Office sponsors a number of lecture tours in all parts of the world. During the last few months such engagements in France have been undertaken by the noble Lord, Lord Bessborough, and by the hon. Gentlemen the Members for Monmouth (Mr. Anderson), Manchester, Blackley (Mr. Rose), and Berwick and East Lothian (Mr. Mackintosh). The cost to public funds of travelling expenses cannot yet be finally assessed. No representations have been received from the French Government concerning these speaking engagements.