§ 58. Mr. Benceasked the Minister of Labour how many men and women were unemployed, at the latest convenient date, in Croy, Twechar, Cumbernauld, Waterside and Condorrat; and what steps he is taking to place these men and women in suitable employment.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodResidents in these areas, except Waterside, register at Kilsyth where on 9th February, 1959, there were 259 people registered as unemployed. Waterside is part of the Kirkintilloch area where there were 449 unemployed. My local officers are doing all they can by submitting them to such suitable vacancies as are notified.
§ Mr. BenceIs the hon. Gentleman aware that already two pits are scheduled to be closed in this area and that the life of many of the remaining pits will be short? Is he aware that this may be the 1121 beginning of a very serious unemployment situation in these old mining villages? Will he consult his right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, because this triangle in Dunbartonshire is an ideal area for siting a major industrial plant capable of absorbing the unemployed?