§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the worst month for Scottish unemployment in 1963; if he will give the figures; and if he will show how that compares with the same month in 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977 and the latest available figures in the current year.
§ Mr. Gregor MacKenzieThe worst month for total unemployment in Scotland in 1963 was February, when the total was 115,900–5.3 per cent. Seasonally adjusted unemployment was at its peak in March 1963 at 102,300–4.7 per cent. The786W figures for the same months in the other years referred to are as follows:
Total Unemployment February 1974 … 93,100(4.3%) February 1975 … 101,300(4.7%) February 1976 … 146,800(6.7%) February 1977 … 179,600(8.1%) February 1978 … 196,800(8.9%)
Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment March 1974 … 84,500(3.9%) March 1975 … 92,700(4.3%) March 1976 … 136,500(6.3%) March 1977 … 162,100(7.5%) March 1978 … 177,100(8.0%)