§ 14. Sir William Darlingasked the Minister of Labour what percentage of the registered male unemployed in Scotland is over 40 years of age; and what plans he has specially in view to deal with this class of persons.
§ Mr. IsaacsAt 13th June, 1949, the latest date for which details are available, 51 per cent. of the men registered as unemployed were over 40 years of age. The majority of the men concerned are in the Development Areas, and will benefit from the special efforts being made under the Distribution of Industry Act, 1945, to increase the level of employment in such areas. In the rest of Scotland also many new industries are being set up. Apart from this, Appointments offices and employment exchanges take special pains to assist men over 40 who find it difficult to obtain employment, and local employment committees in the West of Scotland have been specially invited to consider this problem.