§ 72. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the rise in unemployment in Scotland during the last twelve months is larger than can be accounted for on seasonal grounds alone; if he will investigate and state the reasons for this rise; and what steps he is taking to mitigate it.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe main causes for the increase over the past year are a reduced building programme, temporary stoppages due to weather conditions in fishing and building, and marketing difficulties in several manufacturing industries. I am in close and constant consultation with my right hon. Friends, the President of the Board of Trade and the Secretary of State for Scotland on Scottish employment problems.