§ 42. Mr. Wolrige-Gordonasked the Minister of Labour, in view of his responsibilities in the North-East of Scotland Development Area, what measures he now proposes to alleviate the decline in local employment shown in the latest available figures.
§ Mr. HareThe latest figures at mid-1961 showed no appreciable decline in local employment. I am aware that the rate of unemployment remains high, and the Government will continue to use vigorously its powers under the Local Employment Act to encourage industrial expansion.
§ 44. Mr. Dempseyasked the Minister of Labour what official consultations he has had with a view to reversing the serious unemployment trend in Scotland.
§ Mr. HareI have myself discussed Scottish unemployment problems with the Scottish Council (Development and Industry) with representatives of the Scottish T.U.C., in the last two or three months, and I am keeping in close touch with the development of the situation through my officers in Scotland. I am of course in constant touch with my colleagues on the subject.