§ Mr. Owenasked the Minister of Labour what are the latest unemployment figures in the exchange districts of Ashington and Morpeth in the county of Northumberland; and what was the position at the same period during 1953, 1958 and 1962.
§ Mr. HareThe following table gives the information desired:
Unemployment figures for Ashington and Morpeth Employment Exchanges Ashington Morpeth 13th July, 1953 … 245 99 14th July, 1958 … 155 79 16th July, 1962 … 320 174 15th July, 1963 … 472 230
§ Mr. Owenasked the Minister of Labour how many apprenticeship schemes are in operation in the area covered by the Ashington and Morpeth employment exchanges; how many are enrolled in such schemes; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HareApprenticeship schemes are in operation in coalmining, engineering, construction, motor vehicle repair and a number of other industries. No figures are available of the total numbers enrolled; but in 1962, 140 boys entered apprenticeships. It will be in the interests of employers in the area to take on as many apprentices as possible in the coming weeks both to provide for their long term needs and because there will be fewer school-leavers at Christmas than in the past.
§ Mr. Owenasked the Minister of Labour how many persons are now on the junior exchanges at Ashington and Morpeth in July 1963; how this figure compares with the position in July 1962; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Hare189 on 15th July, 1963, compared with 84 a year ago. Unemployment amongst young persons in Ashington and Morpeth has fallen by 23 per cent. in the last two months. The Youth Employment Service is doing all it can to help the young people find suitable jobs.