147. Sir W. Darlinģasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the chief resettlement officer of his Department in Edinburgh estimated on 23rd March that the present unemployed figure of 70,000 in Scotland would not be reduced in the next six months but might become more; and what further action he proposes to take to reduce this number.
§ Mr. Isaacs:I am aware that at a conference arranged by the Scottish Council of Social Service an officer of my Depart- 175W ment said that unemployment in Scotland, which amounted to nearly 70,000, was likely to increase for some months, but was then likely to decrease. With regard to the last part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the Question he addressed to me on 21st March. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade and my other colleagues concerned are taking all possible steps, in consultation with the Secretary of State for Scotland and myself to reduce unemployment in Scotland as quickly as possible.