§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will publish in the Official Report a table of figures giving the unemployment figures in Newham compared with the past few years; why there have been increases; and what action he has taken or intends taking to reduce these unemployment figures.
§ Mr. GoldingThe numbers registered as unemployed in the employment office areas which most closely correspond with the London borough of Newham during the last five years were:
Total registered unemployed at the East Ham, Stratford and Canning Town employment offices Male Female Total June 1973 … 2,386 127 2,513 June 1974 … 1,923 161 2,084 June 1975 … 3,414 393 3,807 June 1976 … 5,538 1,298 6,836 June 1977 … 5,675 1,380 7,055 The increase in unemployment between June 1973 and June 1977 reflects not only the present economic recession but also the difficulties facing inner city areas 93W highlighted in the White Paper "Policy for the Inner Cities" (Cmnd 6845)—e.g., loss of jobs, particularly for unskilled and semi-skilled workers in the docks and manufacturing industries, physical decay, and transport difficulties.
We have introduced a number of special employment measures and over 600 people have already benefited in Newham.
My hon. Friend will be aware that on 29th June my right hon. Friend announced further measures to reduce unemployment. These include a youth opportunities programme which will give up to 230,000 unemployed youngsters each year a chance of work experience or training. This is about double the provision for young people under the present scheme. The emphasis of the programme will be on helping those who are least qualified and with the poorest employment prospects. It is the Government's firm intention that no summer or Easter school leavers who remain unemployed the following Easter should be without the offer of a place under the programme. In addition the youth employment subsidy scheme will be extended to 31st March 1978.
My right hon. Friend also announced two new provisions to help unemployed adults, replacing the existing job creation programme. The first will provide 8,000 places for adults from the unemployment register to instruct and supervise youngsters on work experience schemes. The second, the special temporary employment programme (STEP) will provide temporary employment opportunities of up to 12 months for those aged 19 and over. Newham stands to benefit from these schemes.
Finally, Newham is one of the Dock-lands authorities with whom the Government will be involved in an inner area partnership.