§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many employment exchange areas there are in Scotland; and if he will list the 15 with the highest rate of unemployment.
§ Mr. GoldingThere are 67 employment office or travel-to-work areas in Scotland for which separate rates of unemployment can be calculated. The following table shows the areas with the highest rates of unemployment at 10th June:
Some of those dealt with in 1975 were first detained before 1975. It is not possible, save at disproportionate cost, to identify separately the outcome in 1976 of the 25 cases awaiting decision at the end of 1975.
436Whas been limited to 2½p. a gallon, being an increase in the wholesale price of 2p a gallon, about equivalent to the average increase on all oil products, and an additional ½p a gallon margin to the retailer.
Following representations made by retailers I have agreed that the maximum retail price will be exclusive of any charge for delivery of paraffin to customers. All retailers will be able to make a reasonable charge for delivery. This should help to maintain and improve deliveries, particularly in rural areas at present at risk because of rises in delivery costs. We shall watch the situation carefully, however, and I shall not hesitate to reimpose a control on delivery charges should it become necessary.
The new maximum retail price and dropping of a fixed delivery charge will be effective from midnight Saturday 31st July, and I have made a new maximum retail price order accordingly.