§ 3. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Labour what representations he has had from Aberdeen trades unions complaining about unemployment in that city; what reply he has made; and what steps he is taking to deal with this problem.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI had a letter dated 11th December, 1958, from the Aberdeen Trades Council who had also written to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade. I replied that I was in constant touch with my right hon. Friend about the employment needs of the area, and my local office continues its regular work of assisting unemployed workers to find jobs.
§ Mr. HughesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the representations made this morning to his Department by a delegation from Aberdeen? Is he yet in a position to make a constructive statement on what he intends to do as a result of that delegation? Will he make an interim statement now and, perhaps, a fuller one later at his convenience?
§ Mr. MacleodI am aware that this deputation, led by the hon. and learned Gentleman, was received this morning. It is a little early to expect me to make a statement about that deputation, although we would be very happy to consider what has been said. I think it is fair to say that there has been a substantial drop in unemployment in Aberdeen in recent months, which we are very happy to see. It has gone down very sharply indeed, and I hope that that process will continue.