§ Dr. A. Thompsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that at Cowdenbeath, out of a total of 19,500 insured persons, the total number of persons forced to travel out of the area to work is 4,600, and that this number is likely to increase substantially in the near future; and what steps he intends to take to deal with this situation.
§ Mr. HeathI have been asked to reply.
The number of insured employees in the area of the Cowdenbeath Employment Exchange is estimated at 20,700. This figure includes some 500 people who travel to work in the area from places outside it but excludes some 4,600 people living in the area but working outside it, almost entirely in adjacent areas. I understand that some of the coalminers liable to be displaced from collieries in the Cowdenbeath area are likely to be offered other coalmining employment in other areas. I have no evidence that appreciable numbers are travelling excessive distances to work and my local officers will continue to do all they can to bring to the notice of those who seek their help. vacancies within reasonable daily travelling distance of their homes.