asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the number of vacancies for sewing machinists currently available within the Strathclyde Region.

On 3rd March 1978, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 218 unfilled vacancies for sewing machinists in Strathclyde Region.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what evidence he has of shortages of skilled workers in the Strathclyde Region.

Shortages of skilled labour in specific skills arise from time to time in local areas within Strathclyde Region. At present the main shortages are in engineering occupations. Close and regular contact between my Department and the MSC on the one hand and industry on the other ensures that such shortages are identified at an early stage, and, where possible, appropriate steps taken to alleviate them.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the number of sewing machinists currently unemployed within the Strathclyde Region.

On 9th March 1978, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 1,163 sewing machinists registered as unemployed in Strathclyde Region.