§ 9. Miss Herbisonasked the Minister of Labour how many men who became redundant due to the closure of Hassockrigg and Benhar Colliery are still unemployed.
§ Mr. WhitelawForty-seven redundant workers from Hassockrigg Colliery and 189 from Benhar are registered at neighbouring employment exchanges.
§ Miss HerbisonIs the hon. Member aware that these figures are serious, since they must be taken in conjunction with the number of men in the same area who have been unemployed for a long time? Is he further aware that there is no hope whatever in the near future, and none in the distant future if this Government continue in office, of these men finding jobs? What can he do to help?
§ Mr. WhitelawI am aware that the position is serious. I am not aware, as the hon. Lady seems to suggest, that these people have no hope. They have considerable hope both from the B.M.C. factory development at Bathgate—
§ Mr. RankinOh.
§ Mr. WhitelawBefore the hon. Member for Glasgow, Govan (Mr. Rankin) groans any more, I should also point out that two advance factories are being built in Shotts. All this is evidence of what the Government are determined to do and are doing.
§ Miss HerbisonIs the hon. Gentleman aware of the very high rate of unemployment in Bathgate and the West Lothian area where the B.M.C. factory is to be situated? Is he further aware that we on this side of the House who ask questions about our own constituencies are tired of being told that the B.M.C. factory will solve the problems of Midlothian, West Lothian and Lanarkshire?
§ Mr. WhitelawI have no desire to tire the hon. Lady any further. I do not suggest that the development will solve the problems, but, in view of the number of jobs being provided through it, it is only fair to refer to it.