HC Deb 26 March 1959 vol 602 cc189-90W
Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Minister of Labour what number and percentage of those unemployed in the Stornoway area, at the most recent count of his Department, are resident in the burgh of Stornoway; and how many are resident in the Isle of Harris.

Mr. Iain Macleod

248 or about 14 per cent. live in the Burgh of Stornoway and 349 or about 20 per cent. live in the Isle of Harris.

Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Minister of Labour what special steps he is taking to provide full industrial training for young persons in the isles of Lewis and Harris, who are unable to obtain apprenticeships because of continuing economic depression in the area.

Mr. Wood

The facilities of the training allowances scheme are available to suitable young people living in areas where local opportunities of training in employment are limited, including the Isles of Lewis and Harris.

Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Minister of Labour what number and percentage of the juveniles in the Stornoway area who left school last July have now begun apprenticeships or taken employment in which they are receiving training for a skilled occupation; and if he will give the corresponding figures for each of the past five years.

Mr. Wood

Twelve (11 per cent.) of the boys who left school last July in the Stornoway area have entered apprenticeships. Five girls (6 per cent.) have entered employment leading to professional qualifications. Corresponding figures for previous years are not available.