HC Deb 12 February 1975 vol 886 cc148-9W
40. Mr. Fairbairn

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on unemployment in rural areas of Scotland.

Mr. John Fraser

In November 1974, the latest date for which figures are available, the rates for the planning regions of the Highlands and South West Scotland which are predominantly rural were 5.0 and 5.1 per cent. respectively. The rates for North-East Scotland and Tayside, which have large rural hinterlands, were 2.0 and 3.1 per cent. respectively and in the Borders, where agriculture continues to be a major industry, the rate was 2.0 per cent. There were considerable variations in the levels of unemployment within these planning regions. For comparison, the figure for Scotland as a whole was 4.0 per cent.

The Government are aware of the need to provide jobs in rural areas and schemes including the introduction of new industries and the expansion of tourism are being encouraged.

41. Mrs. Winifred Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the latest figures he has for Scottish unemployment.

42. Mrs. Bain

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the latest figures for Scottish unemployment.

43. Mr. Crawford

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the latest figures he has for Scottish unemployment.

Mr. John Fraser

On 20th January, about 103,000 people were unemployed in Scotland and the rate of unemployment was 3.3 per cent. The figures have been obtained using a simplified counting procedure. They may not be as accurate as the normal monthly figures and should be treated only as approximate indicators.