Ayrshire (Hansard, 24 June 1959)

§ 47. Mr. Emrys Hughes
asked the Minister of Labour the number of registered unemployed in Ayrshire.

§ Mr. Iain Macleod
The number was 5,862 on 11th May.

§ Mr. Hughes
Does the potential Prime Minister think that this figure is encouraging?

§ Mr. Macleod
No, I should like to see the figure lower, of course. This is a figure of 4.4 per cent., and it conceals very great divergencies indeed in the county. I hope the June figures will be better. They are for most areas in the country. I will have them in a day or so and will send them to the hon. Member.

§ Mr. Hayman
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I am afraid that the Questions seem to have been answered so rapidly that we missed Question No. 43. Would it be possible for the Minister to answer that Question now?

§ Mr. Speaker
I am afraid not. I did call the hon. Member but he did not respond. It is a very simple Question and, no doubt, he will get an Answer in writing.