§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Employment what were the unemployment figures for December; how they compared with those for November; and what proposals he has for reducing unemployment in the light of the figures.
§ Mr. Dudley SmithThe total number registered as unemployed on 7th December, 1970, was 620,365, an increase of 18,722 since 9th November, 1970. My local officers will continue to do all they can to help unemployed workers to find new jobs, including the offer of training opportunities where appropriate. In the development and intermediate areas these opportunities will now be increased by the new training grants scheme announced on 4th November.