HC Deb 19 July 1962 vol 663 cc633-4
38. Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many jobs are likely to be provided in West Fife in the current year as a result of the Local Employment Act; and how many jobs will be lost in the same period.

The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. F. J. Erroll)

It is estimated that over 550 jobs have arisen or will arise in 1962 in the Dunfermline group of employment exchange areas from new building and other developments approved or assisted by the Board of Trade. I understand that about 250 jobs have been or will be lost in this group of areas during the year as the result of closures and redundancies.

Mr. Hamilton

Does the right hon. Gentleman recognise that in one village alone, the village of Kelty, there will be lost in the next two or three years two pits which employ between them about 1,700 men and that there are no immediate prospects of one single job to replace those 1,700? Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us what further steps the Government have in mind to redress the balance?

Mr. Erroll

I am aware of the seriousness of the situation which the hon. Member has mentioned. In reply to what further steps are to be taken, I ask him to await the debate on Scottish industry and employment which is to take place today.