HC Deb 25 November 1938 vol 341 cc2114-6W
Mr. Davidson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will state the total number of employed persons in Scotland aged 60 years or over?

Mr. Colville

Exact figures are not available. So far as persons aged 60 and under 65 are concerned, the available figures relate to persons insured under the Unemployment Insurance Acts. On the basis of a sample inquiry it is estimated that the number of persons of these ages insured under the General and Agricultural Schemes of Unemployment Insurance in Scotland at July, 1937, was about 60,000. In February, 1938, the number of insured persons of these ages in Scotland who were unemployed was about 15,000. The number of persons over age 65 in employment insurable under the National Health Insurance Acts in the second half of 1937 was estimated at a little over 40,000. These are the latest figures available. No information is available regarding persons not in insurable employment.