HC Deb 23 June 1960 vol 625 cc660-1
16. Mr. Willis

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many new jobs were provided in the seven crofting counties in 1959; and how many it is expected to provide in 1960.

Mr. Maudlin

I am aware of approximately 2,000 new jobs in 1959 and, on present estimates, nearly 700 new jobs in 1960.

Mr. Willis

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is most unsatisfactory? Is he further aware that the Crofters Commission in its latest report has said that, in spite of all that is being done, there is no likelihood of any in-surge of employment in the area? In view of this, will he drop some of his doctrinaire prejudices and consult the Secretary of State for Scotland with a view to introducing some public enterprise work into the area?

Mr. Maudling

In fact, the latest figures show that the number of unemployed in this area has been falling while the number of the totally insured population has been rising, so progress is being made. But I quite agree that further progress is necessary.