HC Deb 21 May 1962 vol 660 cc13-4
14. Mr. Millan

asked the Minister of Labour if he will state in numbers and percentages the increase or decrease in the total numbers of male civil employees in Great Britain and Scotland, respectively, between mid-1957 and the latest available date.

Mr. Hare

Between mid-1957 and mid-1961, the number of male insured employees in Great Britain rose by 310,000 or 2.2 per cent.; in Scotland it fell by 26,000 or 1.8 per cent.

Mr. Millan

Do not these figures demonstrate that even the present very unsatisfactory unemployment figures in Scotland are being maintained only at that level because of the continuing migration from Scotland? Is this not another indication, as with the right hon. Gentleman's replies to other Questions, of the need for a much more vigorous and tougher distribution of industry policy?

Mr. Hare

I do not know whether the hon. Gentleman realises that since the Local Employment Act came into force on 1st April, 1960, over 30,000 new jobs have been provided in Scotland, or whether he is also aware of the fact that over one-half of the assistance afforded in Great Britain in the first two years of the operation of the Act has been to Scotland.

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