54. The Earl of Dalkeithasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how much has been spent by his Department in Scotland as a direct consequence of unemployment in 1961 and 1962.
§ The Minister of Pensions and National Insurance (Mr. Niall Macpherson)Unemployment benefit payments in Scotland totalled nearly £7 million in 1961 and are estimated at about £9½ million in 1962.
The Earl of DalkeithCan my right hon. Friend give any indication of how much this would have been on the basis of the new rates which are to come into force before long?
§ Mr. MacphersonNot without notice, because I am rather wary of making calculations in my head, but if my hon. Friend adds between 17 and 18 per cent. he will reach the answer.
§ Miss HerbisonIs the Minister aware that these figures of £7 million and £9½ million show how high is the rate of unemployment in Scotland? Is he also aware that those men and women who have been unemployed for a long time are much more interested in the Government finding them a job than knowing what the Government would have paid them over the past two years if the unemployment rate had been higher?
§ Mr. MacphersonThese figures obviously reflect the degree of unemployment current at the time. My duty is to ensure that payments are made to those who are unemployed, rather than find jobs for the unemployed, which is for my right hon. Friend.