HC Deb 09 March 1964 vol 691 cc18-9
22. Mr. Wolrige-Gordon

asked the Minister of Labour whether he now keeps any record of the skills and training of men forced to leave their homes through temporary unemployment.

Mr. Godber

Documents describing the skill and experience of all men who register for employment are kept by employment exchanges for at least five years after action on the current registration is completed. Accordingly, if a man again registers for employment at any exchange within that period his documents will be consulted and he will be informed of suitable vacancies in any part of the country to which he is willing to go.

Mr. Wolrige-Gordon

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the first reaction to further employment being provided in an area like mine consists of applications from hundreds of men who have had to leave the area in previous years because of lack of employment? Is it, therefore, not desirable for prospective employers in such areas to have an easily obtainable record of the skills and training that would be available to them with the return of such men?

Mr. Godber

I think that, where there are firm applications from these men, it is a point to be borne in mind. It is true that in a number of cases men who have moved away are not so anxious to return unless there is something definite to come back to. We shall always seek to keep a balance.

Sir John MacLeod

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is far too much seasonal employment in the North-East of Scotland and that we do not want our men to go away? What is my right hon. Friend doing to encourage more permanent employment?

Mr. Godber

There is, indeed, seasonal employment, which is unavoidable in certain types of work in the area. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland is well aware of these matters and is seeking to do what he can.

Mr. Ross

The right hon. Gentleman says that people are willing to go back only if there is the possibility of something definite. Can he tell us, from the figures of the resettlement officers, how many people have gone back to the north-east of Scotland?

Mr. Godber

If the hon. Gentleman will put down a Question to that effect, I will do my best to answer him.