Employment

HC Deb 18 February 1970 vol 796 cc382-3

3. Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many representations he has received to date regarding the decline in the number of persons in employment in Scotland since 1964, and the decline in the proportion of total United Kingdom male jobs arising in Scotland over the same period; and what replies he has sent.

The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. William Ross)

As Secretary of State I receive many representations about employment in Scotland but I recall comparatively few which bear directly on the points raised by the hon. Member. These matters have, however, been fully debated in the House on a number of occasions.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

If the Secretary of State has had comparatively few it is presumably because most people have long since come to the conclusion that it is not worth spending fourpence upon him for this or any other purpose. If the run-down in employment in Scotland has resulted from the decline in the old industries—as he regularly tells us—can he explain why the run-down should be particularly marked in the service sector, which is a growth sector in most other advanced industrial economies?

Mr. Ross

The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that there is more than one reason for the decline; indeed, if he examines the situation in the distributive sector he will find that modernisation there has had a considerable effect on the number of people employed.

Mr. Woodburn

Will not my right hon. Friend have an analysis made to show how modernisation in the mines, in agriculture and in many other industries has reduced male employment? Is not this a penalty for going into the scientific age?

Mr. Ross

Yes. These figures have been produced. I cannot guarantee that the hon. Member for South Angus (Mr. Bruce-Gardyne) has been able to read them.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

Will the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the Chancellor of the Exchequer before his Budget about the heavy impact of the selective employment tax on the building industry in Scotland and upon rural areas, such as the Highlands?

Mr. Ross

That is a customary exaggeration on the part of the hon. Member. If he will examine the situation in the building industry in Scotland he will find that it has been a considerably expanding one, and that the load on it is still very high, thanks to central Government expenditure.