§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland why information on the numbers of qualified doctors and nurses in Scotland who are unemployed is no longer collected by his Department.
§ Mr. John MacKayThe regular analysis of the unemployed by occupation has been discontinued in the absence of relevant information at unemployment benefit offices where the count is made. My Department does not, therefore, now have available to it comprehensive information on the numbers of registered unemployed claiming medical or nursing qualifications—who would not necessarily all be seeking employment as doctors or nurses. However, my Department continues to monitor the manpower and training needs for doctors and nurses very closely, in consultation with the health boards and professional organisations.