HC Deb 26 February 1958 vol 583 cc345-7
4. Mr. Lewis

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that in the month from December, 1957, until January, 1958, there was an increase of 60,000 unemployed bringing the total to 395,000 or 1.8 per cent. of the total of workers in Great Britain; and what action he proposes to take to prevent this number of unemployed being still further increased in the months ahead.

Mr. Iain Macleod

Yes, Sir. Most of this increase was seasonal in character. As regard the second part of the Question I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Erith and Crayford (Mr. Dodds) on 19th February.

Mr. Lewis

It may be seasonal, but is the Minister aware that people are becoming worried—including, apparently, the Minister of Works? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his right hon. Friend has said that if this continues, the Government will have to consider reducing the Bank Rate. May I ask the Minister whether he would agree with that suggestion?

Mr. Macleod

I have not seen that observation.

5. Mr. Lewis

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that, of the increased number of unemployed which occurred from last December until January, 10,000 of the total of 60,000 were in Scotland; and what action he proposes to take to prevent Scotland becoming a depressed area.

Mr. Iain Macleod

Yes, Sir. The increase was mostly seasonal. I am in close consultation with my right hon. Friends, the President of the Board of Trade, and the Secretary of State for Scotland about the employment needs of the country.

Mr. Lewis

Can the Minister tell us how long the season lasts? It would seem that this season has been lasting a long time and that it gradually came to a peak last January. May we be assured that the season will not last for the whole of the year?

Mr. Macleod

From now onwards is the time when the figures of unemployed usually begin to drop. I warn the House—I think it fair to do so—that this year the trend may not be as pronounced as usual in many directions where one would expect to see an improvement.

Mr. Lawson

Would not the Minister agree that Scotland is suffering from a disproportionately high percentage of this seasonal unemployment? With 10 per cent. of the country's insured workers, Scotland has more than 16 per cent. of the fresh unemployment. Is not that remarkable and a cause for great concern?

Mr. Macleod

I think it true to say that, for reasons with which the hon. Member is familiar, Scotland is apt to suffer more seasonal unemployment than the rest of the country. There is a higher proportion of workers engaged in agriculture, fishing and building, the three industries most affected.