§ 17. Mr. Hamiltonasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that unemployment in Scotland in the first six months of 1953 180W is higher than in any comparable period in the last six years; and what additional steps he has in mind to alleviate the hardship caused by this problem.
§ Sir W. MoncktonYes. This is broadly true for women, but male unemployment has been lower than in three of the past five years. I am glad to say that in May and June the total was lower than last year and also than in 1950. The hon. Member will have learned from the debate which took place on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week that the Government recognise the unemployment position in Scotland and are doing all they can to assist Scottish industry to improve its employment prospects.