asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what evidence he has to show the effects of the current United Kingdom economic recession on the Scottish construction industry; and what steps specifically within Scotland he proposes to take to ensure construction employment in Scotland.

I can add very little to the replies of my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Employment to the hon. Member on 21st and 25th October.—[Vol. 917, c. 541–2; Vol. 918, c. 100.]The situation in the construction industries is a reflection of our current economic difficulties.