HC Deb 08 April 1963 vol 675 c913
51. Mr. McInnes

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons were unemployed in the Highland area at the latest available date.

Mr. Hare

There were 6,451 persons registered as unemployed on 13th March, 1962, and 8,284 on 11th March, 1963.

Mr. McInnes

Does the Minister recognise that this is a remarkable increase in unemployment in this area? Will he take steps to ensure that more jobs and more new industry are brought into the Highland area?

Mr. Hare

Yes, certainly. We are doing ail we can to encourage industrial expansion in this area and in other areas of high unemployment.

Mr. Ross

How will the loss of railway lines in this area help industrial expansion there?

Mr. Hare

That is a matter which, obviously, will have to be discussed. The recent announcement of the Fort William pulp mill, however, will be of considerable assistance to the area.