§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the latest unemployment percentages for the Cannock and Rugeley employment exchange areas; what steps he is taking to reduce these unemployment figures; an if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonAt 10 December 1981 the rate of unemployment in the Walall travel-to-work area, which includes Cannock and Rugeley, was 16.6 per cent. Percentage rates of unemployment are calculated only for complete travel-to-work areas.
The Government's policies are aimed at developing a soundly based economy, which means among other things bringing inflation down to a more tolerable level. As this is achieved, and productivity continues to improve, British firms will become increasingly competitive and so be in a position to offer goods and services that people in this country and abroad want to buy and at prices they are prepared to pay. This is the only way to create the new and secure jobs we all want to see, both in the Walsall area and throughout the country. What we need is steady, sustained growth and there is no quick and painless short cut, least of all in the middle of a world recession.
Meanwhile, as we make progress towards these objectives, people in the Walsall area will continue to benefit from the Government's programme of special employment measures. Over 500 jobs are being protected through the temporary short time working compensation scheme in the area, and since 1 April 1981 nearly 5, 000 young people entered the youth opportunities programme in the Walsall, Lichfield and Cannock Chase local authority areas.