HC Deb 12 December 1962 vol 669 cc392-3
16. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Minister of Labour how many unemployed were registered at the Cumnock Employment Exchange on 30th November; what was the percentage increase over 30th November, 1961; and what steps are being taken to reduce the number of unemployed in this district of Ayrshire.

Mr. Whitelaw

As a result of the distressing accident at Barony Colliery a special count was taken on 3rd December. This showed that 1,579 workers were registered as unemployed, an increase of over 300 per cent. compared with 11th December, 1961.

I understand that the National Coal Board is confident that it will be able to reabsorb nearly all of these men eventually and substantial numbers will be found work at other collieries within travelling distance over the next few months. The area is already a development district where the Government are doing their best to encourage industrial development and are setting up an advance factory.

Mr. Hughes

Can the Parliamentary Secretary define what he means by "eventually"? Is he aware that the Coal Board has said that it cannot guarantee the opening of this mine for two years? What is to be done in the interval? While we are thankful for the small mercy of a small factory, may I ask whether the hon. Gentleman appreciates that a tremendous calamity has overtaken the district? Can we rely upon him to support constructive measures, such as a duty-free airport at Prestwick and the various measures which have been urged upon him by the Ayrshire County Council?

Mr. Whitelaw

I fully accept that this is a very serious happening for the area. The hon. Member must not tempt me into going too far in defining other projects. Besides retaining about 200 adult workers in addition to juveniles, the Board has so far absorbed about 300 of the people locally.

— 14th November, 1960 Per cent, of insured employees* 13th November, 1961 Per cent. of insured employees* 12th November, 1962 Per cent, of insured employees*
Stanley … 491 2.5 567 2.9 934 4.8
Consett … 302 1.5 450 2.2 1,047 5.1
* Figures of the total working population are available only for Great Britain as a whole.