HC Deb 07 March 1961 vol 636 c247
33. Mr. Hoy

asked the President of the Board of Trade what new industrial enterprises planned for Scotland are likely to be in production by 1962; what is the estimated increase in employment these new enterprises will produce; and what proportion of the new jobs provided will be for youths under 18 years of age.

Mr. N. Macpherson

One hundred and seventy-six, including ninety-nine expansions, to provide 24,286 jobs.

Mr. Hoy

Is not the Minister aware that even if all these jobs were available —and we are getting a little tired of their being described as being in the pipeline —they would account for only one-third of the people at present signing on at the employment exchanges? Therefore, the hon. Gentleman is making no impact on the unemployment figures. In view of the considerable wastage taking place, which has to be offset against this figure, cannot the hon. Gentleman do something further to meet this appalling problem in Scotland?

Mr. Macpherson

I do not agree with the hon. Gentleman. The jobs now being provided often form the nucleus of further employment. If these jobs materialise, it is virtually certain that a great many more ancillary jobs will also materialise.

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