§ 85. Mr. A. Lewisasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that from October, 1951, until October, 1963, there was an 80 per cent. rise in the level of unemployment; and what new action he proposes to take to arrest this increase.
§ Mr. GodberI cannot accept the implication in the hon. Member's Question. While unemployment has fluctuated considerably over this period, the numbers in employment have shown a steady upward trend and rose by about 2 million between mid-1951 and mid-1963. Although the figures were high a year ago the underlying trend in unemployment during recent months has been firmly downwards and this is likely to continue.