§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether the recently announced inquiry into silicosis and other respiratory diseases under the chairmanship of Mr. Elwyn Jones was officially instigated by the Government; and if so what are its terms of reference.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerI have been asked to reply.
If the hon. Member has in mind the inquiry into respiratory diseases suffered by slate quarrymen in North Wales, under the chairmanship of Mr. Emrys Jones, I understand this is an initiative of Welsh Labour MPs.
Total numbers Of which unemployed for unemployed under 20 years of age Over 26 and up to 52 weeks More than 52 weeks Great Britain … … … 252,328 47,220 15 712 North Region … … … 20 883 5,289 1,534 Mid-Northumberland … … … 952 203 77 Corresponding figures for Northern Ireland and, therefore, the United Kingdom are not available.
§ Mr. George Grantasked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the number and percentages of unemployed by sex in the United Kingdom, the Nor-
Numbers unemployed Percentage rate of unemployment Males Females Males Females United Kingdom … … … … 1,050 807 399,248 7.4 4.3 North Region … … … … 80,801 34,717 9.7 6.9 Mid-Northumberland … … … … 3,113 1,242 9.7 6.9