§ 32. Mr. Gregor MacKenzieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the latest figures of unemployed people in Scotland.
§ Mr. YoungerOn 8 October, seasonally adjusted unemployment in Scotland stood at 302,200 or 13.4 per cent. I share the right hon. Gentleman's concern about the current high levels of unemployment. The Government are firmly committed to continuing their efforts to bring about a lasting reduction in unemployment; this can only be done by controlling inflation, restoring competitiveness to industry and creating the right conditions for the creation of new, viable jobs through economic growth. In the meantime, we shall continue to help those groups and individuals who are hardest hit through our programme of special employment and training measures.