§ 54. Mr. Rankinasked the President of the Board of Trade what number of new jobs he expects to secure for Scotland in 1960; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MaudlingProjects recently completed or now under construction in Scotland should provide approximately 6,900 new jobs. In addition, projects approved but not yet started are estimated to provide a further 8,000 jobs. These figures do not include B.M.C.'s project at Bathgate, which will eventually provide employment for 5,600 people. Rootes Ltd. also hope to 659 expand in Scotland. The Board of Trade will continue to try to persuade industrialists to set up or expand in areas of high unemployment in Scotland and elsewhere.
§ Mr. RankinWhilst we welcome the efforts that the right hon. Gentleman is making to reduce unemployment in Scotland, does he realise that, despite those efforts, the figure has now risen to approximately 100,000? Is he also aware that before his schemes begin to employ any of these people two years at least will pass?—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] That is the period given by some of our expert economists in Scotland, in particular Professor Cairn-cross. Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us exactly what he proposes to do to fill in the gap of unemployment which will exist for the next two years?
§ Mr. MaudlingThe hon. Gentleman has referred to the number of jobs I expect to secure for Scotland in 1960. I hope that the great majority of the 6,900, and some of the 8,000, will arise in the course of 1960. Of course, the big motor development is likely to take a little longer.