HC Deb 16 November 1976 vol 919 cc1087-8
1. Mr. Dempsey

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the percentage of the insurable population who are registering as unemployed in Scotland and in Coatbridge and Airdrie, respectively.

The Under-Secretary of State for Employment (Mr. John Golding)

At October 1976 the percentage rates of unemployment were 7.3 per cent. in Scotland and 9.9 per cent. in the North Lanarkshire travel-to-work area, which includes Coatbridge and Airdrie.

Mr. Dempsey

Is my hon. Friend aware that there are areas in the Strathclyde Region where the numbers of unemployed are double the national average? Will he urge the Chancellor of the Exchequer to stop those public expenditure cuts which would cause further un-employment and worsen the situation in that part of the country?

Mr. Golding

My hon. Friend will know that my visit brought home to me the severity of unemployment in his constituency. Our view, however, is that we cannot provide a permanent solution to our unemployment problem without placing limits on public expenditure. I am sure my hon. Friend will be pleased to know that we expect the local hospital at Airdrie to be completed in 1977. This will provide approximately 1,500 jobs, of which about 400 will be non-medical and suitable for local workers.

Mrs. Bain

Will the hon. Gentleman accept that we are delighted that he feels he has been enlightened about the unemployment situation in Scotland? May I ask when will he come forward with overall constructive plans to ensure that the people in the west of Scotland get the kind of life to which they are entitled, particularly since the gross domestic product and the resources of Scotland are contributing to the United Kingdom economy? Is the hon. Gentleman further aware that the words he used are totally unacceptable to the people of Scotland?

Mr. Golding

The hon. Member referred to the west of Scotland. The Government are concerned about the unemployment situation in the whole of Scotland. We have been delighted that the latest survey undertaken by the Scottish CBI reported fewer firms working below capacity than was the case in July and that there are more firms proposing to increase their work forces than there are firms proposing to reduce them. The Government are pleased about that state of affairs.