HC Deb 17 April 1961 vol 638 cc778-9
17. Dr. Dickson Mabon

asked the Minister of Labour what was the average percentage of unemployment in the Greenock-Port Glasgow area in the years 1952 to 1955 inclusive; what was the figure in 1956 to 1959 inclusive; and what it was at the latest convenient date.

Mr. P. Thomas

The percentage rates for 1952 to 1955 were 8.4, 8.0, 6.1, and 5.1; for 1956 to 1959, 5.4, 6.1,7.7, and 8.0; and on 10th April, 7.0.

Dr. Mabon

Does the Minister realise that these figures, bad as they are, would be worse if they were not masked by emigration from the towns? Does he realise that it would be easy for the present Minister to break the record of his predecessor, and that one thing that could be considered would be to make representations to the Board of Trade, along with many others, to try to expand the advance factory programme?

Mr. Thomas

I certainly agree with the hon. Member that this is one of the blackest unemployment spots in Scotland, and has been for many years. It has not shared in the general improvement in Scotland over the last twelve months. This is a development district, and we are doing all we can to stimulate industrial development there. There are 650 jobs in prospect locally and, in addition, work is expected to start in the next few months on the graving dock project which will provide 2,000 jobs during construction and 1,200 permanent jobs.