108. Mr. Leeasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the ratio of unemployed persons to vacancies in Scotland is now 12 to 1, in Wales 6½ to 1, in the North-West 5½ to 1, and in the northern region 5 to 1, as against 1½ to 1 in London and south-eastern and eastern and southern regions; and what remedial action he now proposes to take in the worst affected regions.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI am aware that notified vacancies are unevenly distributed about the country in relation to the numbers unemployed. My local officers are continuing to bring suitable vacancies, including those in other parts of the country, to the attention of unemployed workers. A number of measures have been taken by the Government to increase the level of employment particularly in areas most in need of additional jobs.