§ 17. Mr. W. Hamiltonasked the Minister of Labour what was the average monthly rate of unemployment in Scotland in 1951, the monthly average for the entire period 1952–62 inclusive, and the comparable figure for 1963.
§ Mr. GodberRespectively, 2.5 per cent., 3.2 per cent. and 4.8 per cent.
§ Mr. HamiltonCan the right hon. Gentleman give me the answer in actual figures rather than percentages, which is what I wanted? Is he aware that the average monthly rate in 1963 was very nearly twice that in 1951, and does he still adhere to the view that all sections of the community are prospering, having regard to those figures? Does he agree that it would be fair for the House and the country to measure the success or failure of the Government's policies by that particular yardstick?
§ Mr. GodberAs the hon. Gentleman knows very well, there are special circumstances in Central Scotland and in the North-East which have led to the Government's recent proposals for those areas. As regards actual figures, the Question refers to percentages, I think—
§ Mr. HamiltonNo, it did not.
§ Mr. GodberIt referred to the rate, which is a percentage, as I understand it. If the hon. Gentleman wants the figures, however, I can give them. For 1951, it was 53,400. The average for the years 1952–62 worked out at 68,900. For 1963, it was 104,800.
§ Mr. HamiltonDoes the right hon. Gentleman still adhere to the view that Tory policies have worked?
§ Mr. GodberCertainly, I adhere to that view. It is unrealistic, in relation to these areas, to think that one can immediately overcome the basic problems of declining industries. We are of course, seeking to overcome them in the programmes which we have put forward.