and by July 1939 By July 1938 there were still more than 25,000 out of work the figure had only fallen by 3,000. The average rate of unemployment in the South Lancashire area over the years 1934-38 was 22%, in Wigan 28%, as compared with the average for Great Britain of 14%. The corresponding figures for the Development Areas were approximately as follows:- North-Eastern Area - 25 per cent South Wales and Monmouthshire Area - 31 per cent West Cumberland Area - 33 per cent - 23 per cent Scottish Area undertaken by the Board in 1943 produced an estimate of a figure of 30,000 to 35,000 and even if this figure is it is clear that a problem exists which must be solved if the Government's policy of full employment is to be implemented.