§ 1. Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the lack of prospect of the re-employment of adults or employment of youths in many communities in the Western Isles of Scotland, and the exclusion of many able-bodied unemployed from Unemployment Insurance and Assistance because of the nature of the local labour problem; and what proposals he has to provide work and wages in these cases?
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Brown)I am aware of the conditions prevailing and also that the economic structure of these Islands prevents the general application of the Unemployment Insurance and Assistance Schemes. As regards the last part of the question, the hon. Member will be aware of the measures of development for the crofting counties, including the Western Isles, which are already in operation.
§ Mr. MacMillanIs it proposed to modify the system of Unemployment Insurance in these Islands so that they will be put within the scope of the provisions of Unemployment Insurance?
§ Mr. BrownThe trouble really is their economic structure, which, of course, does not fit in with our system.
§ Mr. MacMillanAre there not many schemes which could be put in hand with the co-operation of the Ministry of Labour? Were not some schemes recommended by the Committee?
§ Mr. BrownThere is quite a number of schemes; for instance, the provisions for public works in the Vote of the Department of Agriculture will give £25,000 this year and £30,000 next year. Of course, as the hon. Member knows, many of the inhabitants show a preference to work on their own crofts at this time of the year, and there is some difficulty, I understand, in securing sufficient applicants for vacancies.
§ Mr. MathersIs it not desirable that the system of administration should be made to meet the economic structure, rather than that the Minister should say things cannot be done?