§ Mr. BARRasked the Minister of Labour (1) whether he has given consideration to the great increase of unemployment revealed by the numbers registered at the Motherwell and Wishaw Employment Exchanges in the return he has just issued, as compared with the similar figures for the corresponding date in 1927; and how far this increase is due to the closing down of mines in the immediate area;
(2) whether, in view of the present increase of unemployment in the Burgh of Motherwell and Wishaw, he has considered any special scheme or schemes of training for the unemployed in that area, or any special work that could be undertaken for the relief of unemployment; and whether he can indicate the steps he is taking to cope with the situation?
§ Mr. BETTERTONBetween the two dates the numbers of persons unemployed in the areas of Motherwell and Wishaw rose by 2,966. Of this increase, 843 occurred in the coal mines industry, the 35W bulk being in industries other than coal mines in the Motherwell area. As regards schemes of training or other measures, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement I made in this House on Monday last.