asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in view of the continuing high unemployment in the Girvan and Maybole areas, he will ask the Scottish Development Agency to undertake a special study to see what further assistance can be given in the creation of new male employment.

I have passed the hon. Member's suggestion to the chairman of the agency. I know that the agency is well aware of the level of unemployment in these areas and is already taking vigorous steps to reduce that level, as elsewhere in Scotland.