§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many workers are unemployed in the building industry in Scotland at the latest date; and what were the comparable figures for May 1979.
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§ Mr. Alexander FletcherThe industrial analysis of unemployed registrants was last completed on 13 May 1982 and has since been discontinued. At that date there were 46,521 persons registered as unemployed at jobcentres and careers offices in Scotland who had last been employed in the construction industry. The comparable figure at 10 May 1979 was 23,667 persons.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to reduce unemployment in the building industry in Scotland.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherThe creation of a sound economy offers the best hope for a lasting reduction in unemployment in the construction industry. Construction, like the rest of industry, will benefit from the new trading environment created by the lowest inflation rate for many years and lower levels of interest rates.
In the meantime we hope that authorities will take advantage of the funds we have made available for grants to assist private sector house improvements and repairs; this should do a great deal to encourage employment in the construction industry over the next 18 months.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received concerning the use of labour only subcontracting in the building industry; and if he has any plans to introduce legislation on the matter.
§ Mr. Allan StewartMy right hon. Friend has received no representations concerning the use of labour only subcontracting in the building industry. The Government have no plans to introduce legislation.