§ 17. Mr. MacArthurasked the Secretary of State for Employment what was the total net decline in employment in Scotland between April, 1966 and June, 1970.
§ Mr. Dudley SmithProvisional estimates show a decrease between March, 1966, and March, 1970, of 82,000 employees in employment in Scotland. There are no estimates for April, 1966, and estimates for June, 1970, are not yet available.
§ Mr. MacArthurDoes my hon. Friend recall that the Labour Government promised in their period an increase of 60,000 jobs in Scotland? Is he aware that, because of the shameful loss of 82,000 jobs in the same period, the gulf 653 between promise and performance in Scotland amounted to 142,000 jobs?
§ Mr. Dudley SmithYes, Sir. We are well aware of this in the development areas—and others besides Scotland are concerned—there has been a general decrease in the numbers in employment. The previous Government's efforts failed, and we have to tackle and cure the situation. It will probably take some time, but we are confident of the outcome.
§ Mr. William HamiltonDoes not the hon. Gentleman agree that this net loss of jobs was the result of the very quick decline of the basic industries? Would he give the figures to show the number of jobs in the pipeline in June, 1970? What response have industrialists made to the Government's proposals to accept the Hunt Committee recommendation to reduce I.D.Cs. from 5,000 to 10,000? Is not this causing great concern among the industrialists in Scotland?
§ Mr. Dudley SmithThe hon. Gentle man is right to say that a large proportion is due to the decline in traditional industries. I entirely grant him that. However, it is an undoubted fact that the policies of the last Government to try to stimulate extra activity in Scotland failed. The hon. Gentleman's question about I.D.Cs. is not for me and should be addressed to my right hon. Friend. We are not complacent about the figure and we intend to try to improve the situation.