§ 23. Mr. Willisasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that unemployment in Scotland has increased from 49,000 in June, 1948, to 73,000 in January, 1949; and what steps he is taking to arrest and reverse this upward trend.
§ Mr. IsaacsYes, Sir, though the increase is rather less than stated because the figures have covered a wider field since the introduction of the National 1885 Insurance scheme last July. Much of the increase is seasonal and temporary and there was a reduction of nearly 5,000 in February. My hon. Friend will be aware of the measures already taken to increase employment in Scotland and the Government will continue their efforts to improve the prospects still further.
§ Mr. WillisCan my right hon. Friend say what percentage of this figure is due to the new method of calculation?
§ Mr. IsaacsI am afraid that I cannot give a definite answer without notice.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanCan the right hon. Gentleman give the extent of the increase in unemployment in the catering industry?
§ Mr. IsaacsI cannot say without notice, but I expect that the catering industry, like other industries, has a peak period and an off part of the season.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesIs the Minister aware that some of these unemployed are bricklayers, that they are unemployed because he has called up plasterers and joiners for the Armed Forces, and will he consider not calling up building workers who are greatly needed in the building industry?
§ Mr. IsaacsThe answer to the first, second and third parts of the supplementary question is "No, Sir."