HC Deb 22 May 1963 vol 678 cc425-6
28. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Minister of Labour the unemployment figures at Cumnock Employment Exchange on 15th May; haw they compare with the figures of last year; and how he proposes to bring about a reduction in those figures.

Mr. Whitelaw

On 13th May, the day of the count, there were 1,167 unemployed, compared with 422 a year ago. Our local officers are already doing all they can to place these workers in employment.

Mr. Hughes

Is the Minister aware that there would have been a much larger number of unemployed if men had not been sent to England and their families split up and if others did not have to travel long distances by bus, adding considerably to their working day? Does he realise that it is now six months since the Barony Colliery disaster and we are still waiting for a decision when the pit will reopen and about a power station? What can the hon. Gentleman do about that?

Mr. Whitelaw

As the hon. Member will appreciate, these figures have been largely influenced by the closure of the Barony Colliery. I understand that the National Coal Board is confident that it will be able to re-absorb nearly all these men within daily travelling distance within the next few months.

29. Mr. Wolrige-Gordon

asked the Minister of Labour what records he maintains of men who have had to leave the north-east of Scotland in the last 10 years to find work elsewhere, who would be willing to return provided suitable employment could be obtained near their old homes.

Mr. Whitelaw

Records of this kind are maintained only in connection with the Resettlement Transfer Scheme, under which a man may exercise an option to return home as soon as suitable work becomes available for him. In the last two years, only two men have expressed such a preference.

Mr. Wolrige-Gordon

Is my hon. Friend aware that the first reaction to the prospect of additional employment in the north-east of Scotland is the application of hundreds of men who have had to leave the area to return to work there? Is it not, therefore, of the greatest value to prospective employers of labour in the area that they should have some record easily available of the skills and the training which would return to it provided these men could get work there?

Mr. Whitelaw

I shall certainly look into the point made by my hon. Friend.