§ Colonel Beamishasked the Minister of Labour if he will pubish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table showing the average weekly earnings of male adult employees in industry in 1938, 1946 and 1957, showing 1946 as a percentage against 1938, and 1957 as a percentage against both earlier years; and if he will show alongside comparable figures for the cost-of living index.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe following is the reply:
1957, and 16th January, 1956, were 1,772 and 1,129, respectively. Of these totals 341 in 1958, 326 in 1957 and 166 in 1956 were building trades workers.
§ 7. Mr. J. Patonasked the Minister of Labour if, in view of the heavy increase in unemployment in Norwich arising mainly from the financial policies of the Government, and recognising the special difficulties in this area in finding alternative employment, he will consult his right hon. colleagues with a view to taking special steps to stimulate employment.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI recognise that unemployment in Norwich has increased 39W more during the last two years than in the country as a whole, though I cannot accept that this is mainly due to the Government's financial policy. I am in constant consultation with my colleagues about the needs of areas with special employment problems, and a close watch will be kept on the situation in Norwich which however compares favourably with a number of other areas.