§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate future employment trends in the Banff and Buchan constituency; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LangThe outlook for employment in the Banff and Buchan constituency, as elsewhere, is dependent upon continued economic growth and pay restraint. I am aware that unemployment in the constituency has risen relatively rapidly over the past year. In part this reflects reductions in oil-related employment. However, I note that the overall unemployment rate in each of the three travel-towork areas in the constituency remains below the Scottish average.