§ 13. Mr. Wolrige-Gordonasked 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 and who would be willing to return provided suitable employment could be obtained near their old homes.
§ Mr. GodberRecords of this kind are maintained 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. Other men who take employment away from home may arrange with the employment exchange to be kept informed about any suitable vacancies that arise in their home area.
§ Mr. Wolrige-GordonWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him whether he is aware that in many parts of the country depopulation is as serious a problem as unemployment—in fact, more serious, because there is a tendency for it to be masked? There is an unwilling migration on the part of many people who are unable to find work in a particular area. Is my right hon. Friend aware that in the north-east of Scotland the figure for 1962–63 was 2,600?
§ Mr. GodberYes, I know there are special problems involved here. I would point out to my hon. Friend that anyone working away from home who wishes to return to suitable work can apply at his nearest exchange to be registered for employment in his home area. He will then be notified of all suitable vacancies in that area.
Mr. HamiltonDoes the right hon. Gentleman think that industry will be encouraged to come to this area by the closure of the railways?
§ Mr. GodberI do not think that that point arises on this Question.