HC Deb 22 February 1949 vol 461 cc1669-70
14. Mr. M. MacMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the increasing unemployment in the Outer Hebrides among people classed as employed persons and among those on the self-employed register since sales of Harris Tweed fell following the increase of Purchase Tax last April; and what steps the Scottish Departments are taking to assist.

Mr. Woodburn

I am aware that since last summer there has been an increase in unemployment in the Outer Hebrides among persons registered as employed persons though the number unemployed is less than half what it was two years ago and only 47 more than it was a year ago. Part of the recent increase is attributable to seasonal causes and to bad weather. As my hon. Friend is aware it is not possible to form an accurate estimate of the amount of concealed unemployment among people registered as self-employed persons. As regards the last part of the Question, a number of schemes which should provide employment are being sponsored by the Scottish Departments.

Mr. MacMillan

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there has been in fact a very steady rise in the number of people classed as self-employed who are now unemployed, to between 750 and 1,000; and will he say why there is no mention of this in his reply?

Mr. Woodburn

My hon. Friend could not have heard me say that it is very difficult to keep an accurate estimate of the concealed unemployment among such people. As he knows, investigation is going on into ways and means of helping these people in their trouble.

Commander Galbraith

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Treasury reply to the recent Adjournment Debate on this subject was not in accordance with the facts and, therefore, quite unconvincing; and will he see that the Department is properly informed as to Scottish matters in the future, and press the Chancellor of the Exchequer to see that this very deserving section of the population shall not be forced into unemployment?

Mr. Woodburn

I am not aware that the Treasury reply was inaccurate. The subject is much more complicated than can be stated in answer to a simple question. The matter is being investigated, but there is a very thorny problem to settle, which will be settled if it is at all possible.