§ 65. Mr. Randallasked the Minister of Labour, in view of the increased number of unemployed persons registered at 11th December, 1961, compared with 13th November, 1961, in the northern region, why, compared with the previous month, vacancies filled have decreased and remaining unfilled vacancies have increased.
§ Mr. GreenThe increase in unemployment was entirely among adults, whereas the rise in unfilled vacancies was confined to young people and reflects the demand for school-leavers becoming available at the end of the Christmas term. Some slackening in the demand for adult labour, with a corresponding fall both in placings and in unfilled vacancies, is normal at this time of the year.