HC Deb 28 October 1954 vol 531 cc295-6W
56. Sir L. Ropner

asked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement on the general employment position in the West Riding of Yorkshire compared with a convenient date 12 months ago.

Mr. Watkinson

The general employment position in the West Riding is very good. The number unemployed has fallen from 14,068, or 0.9 per cent., in September, 1953, to 10,580 or 0.7 per cent. in September, 1954. This improvement was shared by practically every industry, including woollen and worsted, iron and steel, and tools and cutlery. The unemployment rate is well below the national figure of 1.1 per cent.