§ 82. Sir C. Osborneasked the Minister of Labour what are the reasons for the recent high record of unemployment amongst industrial male workers in the Birmingham area; what steps he is taking to cure it; and how long he expects it to persist.
§ Mr. FernyhoughAs a result of the economic difficulties of the country, unemployment amongst men in Birmingham increased from 10,664 in March, 1967, to 12,494 in March, 1968. As the economy is able to expand again, depending on how well we do with14W exports, the situation is likely to improve. I am not, however, prepared to make forecasts of unemployment.