§ 10. Miss Herbisonasked the Minister of Labour how many are unemployed in Newmains and Cleland, giving figures for men, women, boys and girls.
§ Mr. WhitelawSeparate figures for Newmains and Cleland are not available. They are part of the area of Wishaw Employment Exchange where on 12th November there were 944 men, 425 women, 64 boys, and 34 girls registered as unemployed.
§ Miss HerbisonIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that in the area covered by the Wishaw Employment Exchange the rate of unemployment is close on 9 per cent.? What is he going to do, with other Ministers responsible, to help the people in that area? Is he aware that a considerable time ago the attention of his right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade was drawn to an excellent site for an industrial estate between Wishaw and Newmains which would help not only the Wishaw area but villages in South Lanarkshire? Will he do his best to influence the President of the Board of Trade to choose that site for industry?
§ Mr. WhitelawI appreciate what the hon. Lady says, but it would be dangerous for me to attempt to influence my night hon. Friend as between one area and another. At the same time, I have noted what she has said and I have no doubt that it will also be noted by the President of the Board of Trade. I will ensure that it is.