§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the recent rise in unemployment in Scotland cannot be accounted for on seasonal grounds; and if he will specify the steps to reduce it which he has taken during the last four months, and is now taking.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI am aware that in Scotland, as in the rest of Great Britain, the recent increase in unemployment is not entirely due to seasonal causes. My local officers are doing all that they can to assist those unemployed persons by submitting them to vacancies notified by employers, and I am also in constant touch with my colleagues about Scotland's need for employment.