§ 3. Mr. Eadieasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what was the total employable labour force in Midlothian in April, 1966; how many were male and female; how many were teenage, male and female; and what are the comparable figures to the nearest available date in 1969.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Employment and Productivity (Mr. Edmund Dell)The employment estimates available for local areas show the numbers of employees—employed and unemployed—at each mid-year. They are analysed by sex but not by age. At June, 1966, the estimated number of employees in Midlothian was 257,000 of whom 156,000 were male and 101,000 female. The corresponding figures for June, 1968, the latest date for which information is available, were 255,000, 153,000 and 102,000.
§ Mr. EadieI thank my hon. Friend for his answer. Would he agree that these figures indicate that, despite the fact that there has been massive contraction of the agricultural and coal mining industries, the County of Midlothian seems to be, not only holding, but increasing its population? Is not this because of the Government's policy of giving the development areas preferential treatment, or, as the Prime Minister says, blatant favouritism?
§ Mr. DellI entirely agree that this excellent result is due to the considerable assistance given to Scotland by the Government.