§ 1. Mr. Hamiltonasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the increasing difficulty of women in obtaining employment in West Fife; and what steps he is taking to remedy the position.
§ Sir W. MoncktonI know there is unemployment of women here, most of it due to short-time working. There are prospects of alternative work for a number of the redundant workers, but reliance must mainly be placed on increased activity in the textile trades.
§ Mr. HamiltonIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that, according to figures from the Dunfermline exchange, unemployment has increased by about 25 per cent. in the last month, not including those who are temporarily stopped? Is he further aware that there is a lot of short-time working in the textile industry in the Dunfermline area and that that is coupled with the fact that there are many miners coming in with their wives from the West? Would he not consult with his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland about the possibility of bringing into West Fife some alternative light industry?
§ Sir W. MoncktonI would point out that for the area as a whole, not speaking of Dunfermline itself, there has been an increase, but only from 1,132 in January to 1,230 in June. As to Dunfermline, recruiting is now going on at the Royal Naval Armament Depot, which I agree only takes a certain number, but I will look at this particular place in consultation with my right hon. Friend.