§ 13. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Minister of Labour the total number employed and unemployed in Newport in December, 1952, and at the latest known date; and what action he proposes to take, in view of the increase in the unemployed figure.
§ Sir W. MoncktonStatistics of employment in local areas are available only for the end of May in each year. At the end of May, 1952, the number employed in the Newport (Mon.) area was approximately 57,700. The total number registered as unemployed on 8th December, 1952, was 677 and on 16th February, 1953, 1,037. Newport, which is part of the South Wales and Monmouthshire134W Development Area, normally enjoys a high level of employment, but recently suffered a setback in orders for steel sheet and light alloys. There was a decided improvement in February, and I shall watch the position very closely.