§ Mr. Warrenasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will arrange for a special study of the nature and problems caused by unemployment in Hastings as this has now risen to twice the national average given in his Department's returns.
§ Mr. GoldingThe latest available figures, for October 1976, show that the unemployment rate in Hastings was 6.8 per cent.—10.1 per cent. for males. While this rate is far too high, it is considerably less than twice the national average, which last October was 5.7 per cent.—7.0 per cent. for males. I am not convinced that a special study in the area would be likely to bring any direct benefit to those who are currently unemployed.