§ 54. Mr. Thornton-Kemsleyasked the Minister of Labour the total number of unemployed males and females in Scotland at the latest convenient date and the approximate percentage of insured men and women unemployed in Scotland as compared with the corresponding per cent. ages for England and Wales.
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Isaacs)At 12th August, 1946, 56,343 males and 19,756 females; that is 5 per cent. and 4 per cent. respectively of the estimated 358 numbers insured. The corresponding percentages for England and Wales were 2½ and 1½.
§ Mr. Thornton-kemsleyCan the Minister say what the Government are doing about this rising tide of unemployment in Scotland?
§ Mr. IsaacsI would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade on 21st May, 1946, in reply to a Question by the hon. and gallant Gentleman the Member for Central Glasgow (Colonel J. R. H. Hutchison). It is a full list which covers the whole of the steps taken.
§ Mr. McGovernIs the Minister aware that a large number of the male unemployed are over 50 years of age, and that the view is held by his officials that these men will never again get employment? Has he any policy, or is he considering any policy as applied to men of that age?
§ Mr. IsaacsThat is another question, and if the hon. Member will put down a Question I will look into it. I cannot accept that that is the view of my officials.