§ 73. Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Minister of Labour the number and the percentage of persons unemployed in the Stornoway area at the latest count, and the numbers unemployed in each of the islands of Barra, Benbecula, North and South Uist; and what action is being taken within these areas to provide employment while retaining the able-bodied manpower.
§ Mr. HeathThe provisional totals at 15th February were 1,573 or 31.2 per cent. for Stornoway, 143 for Barra, 81 for Benbecula, 129 for North Uist, and 112 for South Uist. Further employment will be provided by certain building and civil engineering contracts. The Hebrides are included in the list of places expected to become development districts, circulated by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade on 9th February.