§ 91. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the ratio of unemployment in Scotland greatly exceeds the ratio of unemployment in the Midlands and south of England; if he will investigate and state the causes of this; and what steps he is taking to remove the causes of unemployment in Scotland.
§ Mr. WatkinsonI am aware that unemployment is higher in Scotland than in other parts of Great Britain. It has, however, fallen considerably over the past two years and the number unemployed in October was the lowest for the month since 1945. It is not possible to deal adequately with the last part of the inquiry within the limits of an Answer to a Parliamentary Question, and I would 179W refer the hon. and learned Member to the speech which my right hon. and learned Friend made in the debate on industry and employment in Scotland on 14th July last.