asked the Minister of Labour if he will give the present figures of the number of unemployed in the Manchester area and the reasons for such unemployment; and whether there is any scheme to absorb them into industry.

At 16th June the number was 5,387, representing less than 1.5 per cent. It is made up largely of workers changing their jobs and unskilled workers not fit for heavy work. Every step is taken to place them as quickly as possible after they become unemployed.