§ 27. Mr. Kaufmanasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will state the latest percentage figure of male unemployment in the Manchester travel-to-work area, together with that for June, 1970.
§ Mr. Chichester-Clark:The rates of unemployment for males in the Manchester travel-to-work area at April, 1972, and June, 1970, were 7.1 and 3.3 per cent., respectively.
§ 48. Mr. Charles R. Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Employment at what stage he anticipates that officers of his Department will intervene in the industrial disputes affecting the British Steel Corporation and Associated Electrical Industries/General Electric Company factories at Openshaw, Manchester.
§ Mr. Chichester-Clark:In my judgment intervention in either of the disputes mentioned would not be helpful at present but my officers are keeping in close touch with the situation.
§ Mr. Roseasked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps he has taken to alleviate the number of unemployed in the Manchester area; and by what percentage the number has risen since 18th June, 1970.
§ Mr. Chichester-Clark:The number of people unemployed in the Manchester travel-to-work area increased by 117 per cent. between June, 1970, and April, 1972.
The Government have taken a very great number of measures designed to stimulate the demand for goods and services and to improve the environment. These measures will help to increase employment in all parts of the country. It is encouraging that vacancies for April in the Manchester area were 23 per cent. higher than in March.
Manchester was given Intermediate Area status on 22nd March, 1972.