§ 8. Dr. Dickson Mabonasked the Minister of Labour how many unemployed were registered at Greenock Employment Exchange at the last convenient date and what was the comparable figure 12 months ago; and what percentages of the insured working population these figures represent.
§ Mr. HeathThere were 2,441 at 12th October, 1959, compared with 2,008 at 13th October, 1958. A percentage rate of unemployment cannot be completed for Greenock alone. In the combined area of Greenock and Port Glasgow, the rates were 7.4 per cent. on the first date and 7.8 per cent. on the second.
§ Dr. MabonIn view of these disgraceful figures, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that last Saturday the official closure of another Government establishment took place and 150 men, most of them skilled engineers, will be joining the unemployment queues? If the Government intend to honour their election pledges, does he not think that he should attempt to introduce advance factories to this area?
§ Mr. HeathI am surprised that the hon. Gentleman should describe a decrease over 1958–59 as being disgraceful.
§ Mr. HeathThe figures are high, but it is encouraging that they should have decreased. The hon. Gentleman also knows that in his own area there has been the offer of very substantial D.A.T.A.C. assistance over the new dry dock at Greenock—
§ Mr. HeathIt has been offered, which would mean considerable employment, together with further extensions which are to come.