asked the Minister of Labour what was the total of unemployed in the North-East at the end of June; how this figure compares with that of 12 months ago; and what percentage rate it represents.

On 10th June—the latest date for which figures are available—the total was 52,480, or 4·5 per cent., compared with 39,121 or 3.4 per cent. on 18th June, 1962.

Can my right hon. Friend tell me how many of these people are likely to find jobs as a result of the Government's programme of bringing in new industry? Can I now ask my right hon. Friend in person whether he, as Minister of Labour, will issue an exhortation to employers and trade unions to take on supernumary apprentices to cope with the problem of school leavers which will come before us in the very near future?

My hon. Friend—and we work closely together—has already given that undertaking, and I will very willingly do so, too.