HC Deb 21 November 1979 vol 974 cc261-2W
27. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland by how much he estimates that unemployment in Scotland will increase as a direct consequence of the central Government public expenditure cuts, as outlined in the White Paper, Cmnd. 7746, and by the substantial cuts to be imposed on local authority expenditure.

Mr. Younger

The reductions I have proposed in local authority expenditure in 1980–81, amounting to approximately a 2 per cent. reduction in actual expenditure on the previous year, can hardly be described as substantial. It is not possible to estimate what unemployment might result in the short term, but the main object of this policy is to improve employment possibilities in the longer term.

Mr. Ernie Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his prediction of the unemployment level in Dundee in April 1980.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

It is not the practice to publish official forecasts of unemployment. The current level of unemployment in Dundee was recognised in the review of regional industrial policy when it was decided that the city should retain special development area status.

Mr. Ernie Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many of those out of work in Scotland at present have been unemployed for (a) up to one year, (b) up to two years and (c) more than two years; and what percentage of the total unemployed in Scotland each of these groups represents.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

On 11 October 1979, the latest date for which an analysis by duration of unemployment is available, a total of 178,489 people were registered as unemployed in Scotland, of whom 133,079—74.6 per cent.—had been registered as unemployed for up to one year; 23,089—12.9 per cent.—for over one year and up to two years and 22,321—12.5 per cent.—for over two years.

Mr. Ernie Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of those currently out of work in Scotland is under the age of 25 years.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

39.9 per cent on 11 October 1979—the latest date for which an analysis by age is available.