§ 56. Sir David Rentonasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he is aware that 3,910 people were registered as unemployed on 9th June at Huntingdon and Peterborough employment offices, which is the largest number for many years and to what extent his measures announced on 29th June will alleviate this problem.
§ Mr. GoldingI am aware that 3,979 people were registered as unemployed on 9th June at Huntingdon and Peterborough employment offices. The new programmes and extension of existing programmes which my right hon. Friend announced on 29th June are a further indication of the Government's concern about the current high level of unemployment and our determination to take steps to alleviate the situation wherever possible. Allocation of funds for the youth employment subsidy and the job creation and work experience programmes are not made for individual towns, and the amount going to Huntingdon and Peterborough will depend on the extent to which people and organisations in the area come forward with applications under the schemes. I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that detailed implementation of the new programmes announced on 29th June has still to be worked out. However, it is intended that the allocation of resources for the new programme for young people should be related to local variations in levels of youth unemployment. The90W resources of the special temporary employment programme (STEP) for adults will be concentrated in areas of particularly high unemployment. Both programmes will, of course, operate throughout the country.