8. Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Minister of Labour if he will indicate the percentage increase in unemployment in Scotland between December, 1966, and March, 1967, or the most recent date for which figures are available; and if he will give comparable percentage figures for England and Wales.
§ Mr. FernyhoughBetween 12th December, 1966, and 13th March, 1967, total numbers registered as unemployed increased in Scotland and Wales by 9.3 and 3.2 per cent., respectively, and decreased in England by 0.9 per cent. For wholly unemployed only the increases were 10.7 per cent. in Scotland, 4.7 per cent. in Wales and 13.5 per cent. in England.
Mr. TaylorDo not those figures show that, far from being sheltered from the squeeze, Scotland is having a raw time? Will the hon. Gentleman tell his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer that it is vital that tomorrow he should do something to boost the Scottish economy?
§ Mr. FernyhoughUnless the hon. Gentleman has been absent from the House, he must be aware not only of what the Government are doing for the development areas, but of the further announcement by my right hon. Friend last week about added benefits being brought to the development areas.
§ Mr. RankinIn order to permit a proper appreciation of the situation in Scotland, can my hon. Friend give details of the number of persons employed in Scotland at the two dates mentioned?
§ Mr. FernyhoughI am sorry, but I cannot give my hon. Friend that information without notice.