HC Deb 31 October 1966 vol 735 cc3-4W
53. Mr. Evelyn King

asked the Minister of Labour by how much unemployment has increased in Weymouth, Portland, Swanage, Wareham and Corfe Castle since the introduction of the Selective Employment Tax.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

Between 8th August (the date of the last unemployment count before the introduction of the Selective Employment Tax) and 10th October 1966, the total numbers registered as unemployed increased by 214 at Weymouth (including Portland), by 48 at Swanage (including Corfe Castle) and decreased by 8 at Wareham.

55. Miss Lestor

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give for 1963 to 1966 the number of young people, as distinct from school-leavers, aged 15 to 18 years, who are among the registered unemployed.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

Following is the information:

YOUNG PERSONS UNDER 18 OTHER THAN SCHOOL LEAVERS REGISTERED AS UNEMPLOYED 1963–1966 (GREAT BRITAIN).
Month 1963 1964 1965 1966
January … 43,736 25,444 19,313 16,047
February … 50,118 22,675 17,673 14,410
March … 40,933 19,298 15,885 12,699
April … 33,285 19,258 13,594 12,006
May … 31,522 16,878 12,935 11,061
June … 26,082 14,048 11,247 10,379
July … 24,037 14,555 11,465 11,173
August … 28,433 19,015 15,374 15,259
September … 29,385 20,765 16,927 19,776
October … 27,116 19,506 16,703 22,332*
November … 25,195 18,109 14,932 —
December … 22,303 16,556 14,238 —
* The October, 1966, figure is provisional.

58. Dr. John Dunwoody

asked the Minister of Labour what percentage of insured workers was registered as unemployed in Cornwall at the last available date; and how this compares with the figures for the South-West region and for England and Wales.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

At 10th October 1966, rates of unemployment were 5.2 per cent. in Cornwall (excluding Salt-ash), 2.4 per cent. in the South Western region and 1.7 per cent. in England and Wales.

60. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Minister of Labour what was the number of registered unemployed in November in each year from 1956 to 1963, inclusive.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

Total numbers registered as unemployed in Great Britain in November of each of the years specified were: 1956‒264,578; 1957–316,523; 1958–536,027; 1959–430,547: 1960–351,819; 1961–387,354; 1962–544,667 and 1963–474,373.

61. Mr. Goodhart

asked the Minister of Labour what investigation he is making into evidence that the increase in un employment is leading to an increase in racial tension and discrimination in industry.

Mr. Gunter

I am keeping a watch on this through my Regional and Local Office staff, but I am happy to say that there are no signs of any such effect.