§ 63. Mr. McBrideasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what were the effects on industry in Wales of the Government's proposals of 27th October, 1970; and what were the unemployment totals, in Wales, on 27th October, 1970 and on 16th February, 1971.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantIt will be some time before a meaningful assessment can be made of the effects, but I am confident that our new proposals will encourage the development of competitive and profitable industry both in Wales and elsewhere. Figures of unemployment are not available for the dates requested. The total number registered as unemployed was 39,200 on 12th October and 43,000—provisional figure—on 8th February.