HC Deb 04 June 1946 vol 423 cc1813-4
73. Mr. M. MacMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will announce the Government's intentions as to keeping the Western Isles fully populated and providing a higher standard of living and general amenities; and whether, in view of the high level of unemployment there and the dissatisfaction caused by all Government Departments' delays, he will immediately resume public work schemes and general improvements interrupted by the war.

76. Mr. Timmons

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the heavy unemployment in the Western Isles, and the need for action by all Government Departments, he will, as a matter of urgency, call a special conference of all Ministers concerned, with a view to taking immediate steps to alleviate this unemployment.

Mr. Westwood

The Government's plans for maintaining a high and stable level of employment throughout the country as a whole were set out in the White Paper on Employment policy. Measures have been instituted, and others are being concerted by the Departments concerned, for dealing with the employment position in the Western Isles and the special problems arising there. Representatives of the Departments sitting in Edinburgh, are conducting an urgent review of the em- ployment position and prospects in the Isles, particularly Lewis and Harris, and all the Ministers concerned are also in close and regular touch. In these circumstances no special conference would appear necessary.

Mr. MacMillan

Is my right hon. Friend aware that unemployment in this small area is well over 2,000 and that the problem has become one of great seriousness to the country as a whole? Will he not consider taking the initiative in this matter?

Mr. Westwood

The hon. Member can rest assured that I am taking the initiative with a view to dealing with this urgent problem.

Captain MacLeod

Owing to the importance of the tweed trade in the Western Isles and the unsatisfactory state of the woollen and spinning industry, would the Minister give all facilities and priority to the setting up of spinning mills in the Highlands of Scotland, thus helping the unemployment question in the Western Isles by supplying them with yarn?

Mr. Westwood

There is a sub-committee of the interdepartmental committee to which I have already referred—[Laughter]—it is quite true—because of the urgency of the Harris tweed industry, and I am awaiting their report.

Mr. MacMillan

Will my right hon. Friend especially bear in mind that through the Ministry of Transport he could immediately initiate all the road, bridge and harbour schemes which would be necessary to give temporary employment and pave the way to new industries which are essential in that area?

Mr. Westwood

These problems are being drawn to the attention of the Minister of Transport and I understand that a scheme is being worked out which will assist the islands.