§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, pursuant to the answer which he gave to the hon. Member for Aberdeenshire, East on 7 May, he will now list the names of those members who have experience and knowledge of the medical needs of the rural areas on the Grampian health board.
§ Mr. FairgrieveAll members of the Grampian health board by virtue of their service have varying experience and knowledge of the medical and health service needs of rural areas. Some members by virtue of their own background, place of residence, qualifications or training have more detailed experience or knowledge than others. It would not be appropriate to categorise individual members in this way; and I am satisfied that the board as a whole is entirely competent to deal with the problems about which my hon. Friend is concerned.
District Employment Office Area Total unemployed Cumbernauld and Kilsyth … … … Cumbernauld … … … 1,868 Kilsyth … … … … 569 Total … … … 2,437 Strathkelvin … … … … … Kirkintilloch … … … 1,218 Springburn … … … 6,754 Kilsyth … … … … 569 Parkhead … … … … 6,468 Coatbridge … … … 3,394 Total … … … 18,403 Bearsden and Milngavie … … … … Clydebank … … … … 4,473 Maryhill … … … … 4,113 Total … … … 8,586 The figures are disappointingly high but reflect the particular problems of the areas concerned. Employment prospects ultimately depend on the establishment of a sound economy and this is what the Government's policies are designed to achieve.