§ 74. Mrs. Mannasked the Minister of Labour, if he is aware that the number of unemployed registering at Coatbridge Employment Exchange totalled 1,757, being an increase of 950 over the same period last year, and that at Airdrie there was an increase over the same period of 368; what percentage these figures represent of unemployment in this constituency; and what steps he is taking to reduce it.
§ Mr. WoodYes. As the hon. Member recognises in her next Question, most of the increase between May, 1957, 88W and May, 1958, was due to a rise in the members registered as temporarily stopped. It is not possible to compute percentage rates of unemployment for these areas separately. For the North Lanarkshire area as a whole, excluding Glasgow, the percentage unemployed at 12th May was 6.5.
My local officers are doing all they can to help those who need it to obtain other employment and my right hon. Friend is in close touch with the President of the Board of Trade and the Secretary of State for Scotland on the employment needs of the area.
§ 75. Mrs. Mannasked the Minister of Labour, if he is aware that temporarily stopped men registering at Coatbridge and Airdrie employment exchanges have increased from 18 in May, 1957, to 929 in May of this year, and that men on a four-day week get no unemployment benefit; if he will explain how this arises under his regulations; and if he will state the prospects for these men returning to a full working week.
§ Mr. WoodYes. I am aware of the increase. I understand that the majority of those on short-time are receiving unemployment benefit. The rules governing the payment of unemployment benefit, are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance. As to the last part of the Question, I am not able to say how long the short-time working is likely to last.