HC Deb 07 December 1964 vol 703 cc1035-6
1. Mr. Bence

asked the Minister of Labour what has been the loss of skilled manpower from Scotland in the years 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, and 1963, respectively.

The Minister of Labour (Mr. R. J. Gunter)

I regret that information about the loss of skilled manpower is not available. It is estimated, however, that the net loss of employees of all kinds was 9,000, 24,000, 11,000, 18,000, and 13,000 in the years 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962 and 1963, respectively.

Mr. Bence

Is my right hon. Friend aware that these figures are shocking to us in Scotland, because at present there is a shortage of skilled labour in Scotland? Are we right in assuming that the major loss has been in skilled labour? Will my right hon. Friend consult the responsible Cabinet Minister to see if something can be done to bring new scientific-based industries to Scotland so that we can keep our skilled labour at home?

Mr. Gunter

It is very difficult to say what percentage of skilled labour is involved in the total figure, but we are very much aware of the shortage of skilled labour in certain parts of Scotland. I believe that my hon. Friend's next Question will have something to do with that.

Mr. G. Campbell

Will not the situation be made more difficult by the 7 per cent. Bank Rate, which must impede regional development?

Mr. Gunter

I do not think that a supplementary question about the 7 per cent. Bank Rate relates to the Question I am asked on the Order Paper.

2. Mr. Bence

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he is taking to provide training facilities in Scotland to meet the needs of new and expanding industries.

Mr. Gunter

I am at present reviewing the adequacy of training facilities throughout the country including Scotland. Under the present programme for the expansion of the Government training centres in Scotland four new centres have been provided within the last eighteen months, making five in all, and two more will be coming into use next year.

Mr. Bence

I thank my right hon. Friend for the information he has given me. Will he inquire what measures are being taken to provide training for men between 45 and 50, because many men in this age group are being made redundant in the Scottish coal industry? In many cases these are the sort of men who need training for new skills.

Mr. Gunter

We hope that the centres will be able to train 1,700 adults and 144 first-year apprentices annually.

Mr. Godber

Will the right hon. Gentleman confirm that the figures he gave show that a considerable proportion of the increased number of places being made available in Government training centres is devoted to Scotland?

Mr. Gunter

Yes, that is true.