§ 18. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that, in the recent returns for unemployment, the percentage in Wales was the greatest of any region and about double the average proportion for England; and what steps are being taken to secure at least the same proportion for the Principality.
§ Sir W. MoncktonYes. Unemployment in Wales has, I am glad to say, been falling in recent months, but not at quite so fast a rate as in the rest of the country. Most of this unemployment occurs in South Wales and Monmouthshire. It was because of the lack of employment prospects that this district was scheduled as a Development Area. There has been great improvement since the war, and the Government's continued efforts to encourage and assist the growth of employment in Wales have been shown by the special steps taken to deal with the results of the modernisation of the tinplate industry. The hon. Member may like to know that I have arranged to visit South Wales during the Recess.