asked the Minister without Portfolio to what extent his publicity about facilities available to firms seeking to develop in Scotland deals with the quality and quantity of the labour supply.

asked the Minister without Portfolio to what extent he publicises the availability of adequate transport facilities in Scotland as an attraction to potential industrial developers.

The booklet Room to Expand contains a section on the labour market in Scotland. This makes the point that Scotland has a surplus of people available for work and that these are people with industrial sympathies and experience and a high standard of basic and specialised education. The booklet also contains sections on road, rail and air communications, both within Scotland and linking Scotland with other parts of the country and overseas.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the information provided shows where the labour is located? In other words, does it point out the growth areas and also the other areas with high rates of unemployment? Does the booklet also give particulars of the training which these men have at their disposal? How and to what extent is this literature distributed?

The answer to the first question is "No". This being a booklet for Great Britain, it cannot go into undue detail, but inquiries are invited at the end of the booklet to get the details which readers may require from the regional offices. I think that that answers the hon. Member's other two points.

On the question of transport, is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that he is getting proper co-operation from his Government colleagues? Is he not aware that in Scotland there is considerable dissatisfaction with the attitude of the Minister of Transport towards the Beeching plan, and in the case of the Minister of Aviation considerable dissatisfaction about the cutting of air services between Scotland and Scandinavia? Can the right hon. Gentleman consult his colleagues so that there may be proper co-operation?

Without accepting any of that, what concerns me is that in this brochure particulars are set out about Scottish communications and what will interest the developer. Information is given about the new express freight services, the new marshalling yards, and the massive improvements in the trunk road service.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he would find it easier to publicise the attractions of the Dundee development area to industrialists if he could persuade the Minister of Aviation to start an air service between Dundee and the South?

I will take note of that.

asked the Minister without Porfolio to what extent publicity concerning the potentialities of Scotland is co-ordinated with the activities of the Scottish Council and other public bodies.

Through the Scottish Information Office, which is responsible to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, close contact is maintained with the Scottish Council and other bodies to achieve the widest and most effective publicity for Scotland both at home and overseas.

In connection with his responsibilities for publicity, will the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that the Scottish Council, for instance, has had delegations visiting Scandinavia to try to encourage trade activities between Scotland and that part of the world? May I ask what the position is now when we have other Government Departments hindering aspects of those activities in the matter of air services?

I do not accept that at all. This work is done through the Scottish Information Office, and there is a good deal of evidence to show that, working with such bodies as the Films of Scotland Committee and others, it has put over very effective publicity.

Will the right hon. Gentleman keep the publicity up to date? It is no good publicising the availability of air services to Prestwick when the Government are cutting down that air service. It is no good publicising air services in the Highlands when the Government are removing them as well. When will real concern be shown about what is happening in Scotland, and when can we have adequate services and publicity?

However much money is spent on publicising this and that, the portrait of Scotland is largely painted by those who represent it.

asked the Minister without Portfolio what special steps he is taking to publicise the attractions of the Scottish Highlands in order to attract more visitors during the summer of 1964.

The Scottish Tourist Board publicises the tourist attractions of Scotland throughout the United Kingdom. Publicity overseas is undertaken by the British Travel and Holidays Association which acts in close consultation with the Tourist Board. The attractions of the Highlands as a holiday area will continue to form an important element in these campaigns.

I am aware of those facts, but I am anxious to know exactly what the right hon. Gentleman is doing to support them, say with funds. Is he aware that during the winter of 1963 the weather in the Western Isles was of Mediterranean quality, while the rest of Britain was freezing? Does he realise that that attraction has not been sufficiently publicised by himself or by his Department? If he takes that fact in conjunction with the winter sports in the Cairngorms and other places, does he not realise that we could create in the Highlands of Scotland a winter tourist season which would make tourism not a seasonal but a permanent business in the Highlands? Can he say what he is doing with funds to support those people, including his hon. Friend the Member for Brighton, Kemptown (Mr. David James), who are trying to show that "Nessie", the greatest attraction of all, is not just something in somebody's imagination but a real thing? Could he get it to surface with the help of his hon. Friend?

Snow in the Cairngorms this winter would be welcome for winter sports. In answer to the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, the British Travel and Holidays Association, which is responsible for publicising these places overseas, gets a substantial grant from the Board of Trade.

How much?

£1½ million in 1963–64. From that it reimburses the Tourist Board for the work that it does in preparing special Scottish material for use overseas. This was worth £40,000 in 1963–64.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) how many men were registered as unemployed at the Kilsyth employment exchange at the latest possible date; and what steps he is taking to place the unemployed men in employment in the new town of Cumbernauld;

175 men and 120 women were registered as unemployed at Kilsyth Employment Exchange on 10th February. Our local officers will continue in their efforts to find employment for these people by submitting them to suitable vacancies including any that may arise in Cumbernauld which is in the Kilsyth Employment Exchange area.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider establishing an employment exchange in the new town of Cumbernauld? The population is about 6,000 or 7,000, and I understand that there are hundreds of women who are unemployed there. Does the hon. Gentleman not agree that it would be as well to have an employment exchange in the new town so that they could register there, which would be much more convenient for them?

I will take note of what the hon. Gentleman suggests.

asked the Minister of Labour what plans he now has for increasing first-year apprenticeship train- ing courses and adult training facilities in Government training centres in the North-East.

During the present year I plan to increase the training places for first year apprentices from 84 to 108 and for adults from 212 to about 700.

Is the Minister aware that, in the task of reshaping the North-East, we shall need to look ahead for many years to meet the changing pattern of demand? Is he further aware of the serious run-down in the labour force in many of the older industries and the need for complete reorganisation involved in the change in the structure of industry? Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the retraining schemes are inadequate to ensure that the potential of available labour is brought to the full and in order to achieve economic stability?

I realise the importance of this subject. I share the hon. Member's view expressed in the first part of his supplementary question. I would point out that the annual figure for adult retraining, the actual throughput, would be twice the figure I gave, since it is a six months' course and, therefore, the figure would be 1,400 and not 700. That is a substantial increase over everything that we have done yet, but I am keeping the matter under review.

Has my right hon. Friend got the full co-operation of the employers and trade unions in this very important work which is being undertaken by his Department? Is he aware that this is very much welcomed on the North-East Coast?

In general, we have co-operation. There are one or two problems which have arisen, but we are keeping in very close touch.

asked the Minister of Labour what percentages of school-leavers are employed in the retail trade in urban areas and rural areas, respectively.

Of the school-leavers under 18 years of age entering first employment in Great Britain in 1963, 14 per cent. of the boys and 28 per cent. of the girls went into the retail trades. I regret that separate figures for urban and rural areas are not available.

While thanking my hon. Friend for that information, may I ask whether he is aware that if, as a result of legislation which may currently pass through this House, the numbers of retail outlets are reduced, certainly for girls, their chance of employment will be greatly reduced? What steps is my hon. Friend taking or has he in mind to meet this situation?

I think my hon. Friend will appreciate that the services sector of our economy, like that of other developed nations, is important and is growing.

asked the Minister of Labour, in view of the decision to raise the school-leaving age by one year, what alteration there will be in the traditional length of apprenticeships.

It will be some years before the raising of the school-leaving age will take effect. In the meantime, I hope that those responsible in industry will consider what modifications are required in industrial training, taking account both of the raising of the school-leaving age and of other changes in techniques and in the social framework. The establishment of the proposed industrial training boards will assist to this end.

Can my right hon. Friend assist in propelling this consideration to a rather speedier conclusion?

Certainly, I shall use all my endeavours to maintain the pressure on this whole question of apprenticeships. We have got to be ready to look at this matter in a fresh light in view of the changed circumstances of industry today.

asked the Minister of Labour, following the talks between the staff of the National Economic Development Council and the Departments concerned, regarding the transferability of pension rights, what steps are being taken to implement the recommendations of the Council.

asked the Minister of Labour, what has been the outcome of the discussions between his Department and the staff of the National Economic Development Council on the subject of implementing the recommendation of the Council regarding the transferability of pension rights.

I understand that following their discussions with Departments, the staff of N.E.D.C. will be reporting to the next meeting of the Council on 6th May.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say whether he is prepared to introduce legislation to implement this recommendation of the N.E.D.C.?

Yes, the recommendation was that consideration should be given to the point. Talks between the Council staff and the Government Departments have been going on and we must await the outcome.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if the Government accept the view that all pension rights should be transferable, we shall welcome their conversion to something which the Labour Party has been saying for the last seven years?

I note what the hon. Gentleman says, but I would remind him of the complications in this field. In particular, in a field where the provision of these additional pensions is voluntary, one has to look carefully at making compulsory the change-over of those pensions since one might discourage the provision of the pensions themselves.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the Government Departments should give a lead? Is he aware that if teachers leave the employment of local education authorities they lose their contributions straight away, plus half the tax rebate of recent years, even if they want to go into a pension scheme to protect themselves in the future?

Yes, this is one of the reasons why the matter is under review. I take note of what the hon. Gentleman has said.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that foreign countries have not had this difficulty and that transferability of pension rights is already established in some parts of Europe? Why have the Government taken so long to consider the matter?

There is a good deal of variation, and it is right, for the reasons that I gave a moment ago, that we should have a further look at it. It would be unfortunate if we produced an effect which none of us wished for by introducing an arrangement without proper consideration.

asked the Minister of Labour what records he maintains of men who have had to leave the north-east of Scotland in the last 10 years to find work elsewhere and who would be willing to return provided suitable employment could be obtained near their old homes.

Records of this kind are maintained in connection with the resettlement transfer scheme, under which a man may exercise an option to return home as soon as suitable work becomes available for him. Other men who take employment away from home may arrange with the employment exchange to be kept informed about any suitable vacancies that arise in their home area.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him whether he is aware that in many parts of the country depopulation is as serious a problem as unemployment—in fact, more serious, because there is a tendency for it to be masked? There is an unwilling migration on the part of many people who are unable to find work in a particular area. Is my right hon. Friend aware that in the north-east of Scotland the figure for 1962–63 was 2,600?

Yes, I know there are special problems involved here. I would point out to my hon. Friend that anyone working away from home who wishes to return to suitable work can apply at his nearest exchange to be registered for employment in his home area. He will then be notified of all suitable vacancies in that area.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that industry will be encouraged to come to this area by the closure of the railways?

I do not think that that point arises on this Question.

asked the Minister of Labour, whether, in view of the shortage of labour in the civil engineering industry in certain areas of this country, he will take measures to assist men to find jobs in road and other building work from areas of high unemployment such as The Hartlepools.

My Department circulates notified vacancies for skilled construction workers to areas of high unemployment, including The Hartlepools. There is no general shortage of other types of construction worker.

I understand from the civil and engineering world that in many areas there is a shortage of unskilled labour for road development such as is envisaged by the investment programme of the Government. Will not my right hon. Friend look into this matter again, because although firms like Yuills, of The Hartlepools, and Wimpey take up a certain amount of slack, there is still 6·3 per cent. unemployed, and I am sure that something can be done about taking up the slack?

I recognise that there is this high degree of unemployment in my hon. and gallant Friend's constituency. On the other hand, substantial new projects are coming forward in the area and people in such areas are, naturally, reluctant to leave them if employment will be forthcoming in their own area. We have to keep the matter in review.

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of unemployed men, boys, women and girls in the North-East at the end of February; and how these figures compare with those of 12 months ago.

As the Answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate the information in the OFFICIAL REPORT, for the dates for which it is available. The figures show that between February 1963 and February 1964 there was an overall decrease of 36,969 in the number of unemployed. The figures for last year were, of course affected by the abnormally severe weather conditions.

Is the Minister aware that, in spite of the mild winter, which has helped to save a distressing rise in unemployment in the North-East, there is still a big gap to close? Is the Minister further aware that we have a long way to go, for the simple reason that no fresh activity has been injected into the area? In view of the recent increase in Bank Rate, and in the event of a further increase, will the right hon. Gentleman consult his right hon. Friends the responsible Ministers with a view to giving

asked the Minister of Labour how many employees of milk factories in Dorset, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall have recently become unemployed, owing to shortage of milk for manufacturing purposes.

I understand from the information given by employers to our local officers that, since 1st October, 1963, between 40 and 50 persons have become unemployed in this area because of a reduction in the supply of milk for manufacturing purposes.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the situation is becoming quite serious, particularly in milk factories specialising in cheese-making, and that there is a lot of hidden unemployment as there has been virtually no cheese-making in my area since November? Will my right hon. Friend contact his right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture about the position?

I know that my hon. Friend asked my right hon. Friend some

I have pointed out that the position is improving. Of course, it is not satisfactory—I do not say that it is—but it is definitely improving. The underlying trend is good. A number of new projects are coming forward, and even at this time of year, when there is usually an increase, there has been a fall of over 4,000 in unemployment. I think, therefore, that the underlying trend is good, and I hope that the projects which are presently coming forward will help materially.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has granted a permit to Mr. G. Naessens enabling him to work in this country on the manufacture of a serum claimed to cure leukaemia.

No. Sir. My Department has not received an application for a permit.

Is it not a fact, however, that before Mr. Naessens can come here to manufacture the serum he must obtain a work permit? In these circumstances, will the right hon. Gentleman try to find out, so that hopes are not raised and then cruelly disappointed, whether Mr. Naessens is a serious scientific researcher or just a quack?

This is a hypothetical matter at the moment, but I accept what the hon. Member has said in this regard. Of course, it will depend very much on the circumstances whether Mr. Naessens will be employed or would have some provision whereby he would be in the position, as it were, of a self-employed man with a grant. I do not know what the circumstances are and, therefore, I cannot judge this matter in advance.

Will the Minister take great care that, if an application is made, he does not encourage the inculcation of false hopes in the parents of children suffering from leukaemia and among leukaemia sufferers themselves? Will he also bear in mind that this gentleman has certain charges pending against him in the French courts?

Yes. The hon. Member will, I am sure, realise that there is a division of functions in this matter. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has responsibility in regard to anyone coming into the country. I have responsibility in the granting of work permits. Obviously, I will keep in close touch with my right hon. Friend and with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health. I accept the point made by the hon. Member.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that, if he has to consider this matter, he should not prevent the "brain drain" working in reverse?

I take note of my hon. Friend's point.

In view of the purpose to which it seems that this serum has to be directed, can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it will require to be subjected to some scientific or medical test before it can be manufactured?

This is getting considerably beyond the terms of the Question. I will discuss these matters with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health. That is the best way.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of Christmas school leavers who are still unemployed, and the number of Christmas school leavers who are now in employment, in the city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Out of 223 Christmas school leavers, 16 were still registered as unemployed on 10th February. Statistics are not available to show how many are now in employment but in the three months, December to February, a total of 252 young people entered first employment. Most of these were Christmas school leavers.

While thanking my hon. Friend for that reply and agreeing that the figures are much better than they were year ago, may I ask him to bear in mind that there is still great concern about young people being unemployed in the Newcastle area and that a lot of us feel that if there were better training facilities in the area for these young people this would be a step in the right direction? Has my hon. Friend's Ministry any plans for improving the training facilities in Newcastle?

I agree with what my hon. Friend says. As to the prospects, unemployment among both boys and girls has fallen and the number of vacancies is increasing, so the position is certainly improving. With regard to training facilities, my hon. Friend will. I think, appreciate that they are quite considerable at the Government training centre at Felling, and also at the Government training centre at Tursdale.

asked the Minister of Labour how many school leavers, young people and adult workers were shown as temporarily and wholly unemployed in each year from 1951 to 1963, and up to the latest convenient date; and how unemployment benefit corresponded with the national average weekly wage over the same period.

As the Answer consists of a table of figures, I will, with permission, publish it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it has been stated that the average weekly wage is about £16 per week? When a person loses his job through no fault of his own, the Government of the day expect that unemployed worker to exist on one-fifth of the average weekly wage. Is it not time that the subsistence scales were increased to bring them up to something like a basic national average wage?

The hon. Gentleman should study the figures which I am circulating. He will appreciate that the level of benefit is a matter for my right

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed at the last available date in the employment exchange areas of Consett and Stanley, Co. Durham.

517 and 814.

While I am grateful to the Minister for that reply and am appreciative that there is a downward trend in the rate of unemployment in the Consett exchange area, is the hon. Gentleman aware of a gradual upward trend in the Stanley exchange area, despite the fact that many miners and their families have left the area for work in other parts? Is he further aware of the increasing resentment which is being felt by my constituents and myself at the failure of the Government to remedy this appalling situation?

It is true, as the hon. Members says, that unemployment in

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed juveniles in the employment exchange areas of Consett and Stanley, Co. Durham at the last convenient date; and how many of these have been given the opportunity of training in industry.

On 10th February, 61 boys and girls were registered as unemployed at Consett Youth Employment Office and 105 at Stanley. I cannot say how many have had opportunities for training in industry, but four boys at Consett and four at Stanley have previously held jobs with training.

Will the Minister bear in mind that, although the figures which he has just given are relatively low, it is because the Christmas term school-leaving was abolished in my constituency last year and that there will be an upsurge of numbers leaving school at the end of the current Easter term? Will the Minister do his utmost to ensure that places will be found for these boys and girls in industry and in the various training establishments?

I assure the hon. Gentleman that we shall certainly do our best. Suitable boys in Consett and Stanley can be admitted to first-year apprentice training courses at Tursdale Government Training Centre. The total number of places for boys has been increased from 24 to 48. Eleven boys from Consett and Stanley are there already under training, while 10 more are likely to be considered for admission to the next class, to begin in April. Five of these were among the February unemployed.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the percentage of unemployed women over the age of 18 years, and young people below the age of 18 years, respectively, who are now signing the register for work at the St. Helens employment exchange; and if he will consider the provision of a Ministry of Labour training centre in the St. Helens district for those young people prepared to make use of such a facility.

The information in answer to the first part of the Question is not available. My right hon. Friend does not consider the provision of a Government training centre in St. Helens would be justified, and in any case Government training centres do not normally provide training for young persons except those sponsored under the first-year apprentice training scheme.

Does not the hon. Gentleman recall that young people who have left school in the last few years and have never had a job since lobbied hon. Members only a short while ago appealing for jobs? Will he not reconsider his reply and see what can be done to steer these young people into jobs which are worth having and not into blind-alley jobs into which they will be compelled to go nothing is done for them?

During 1963, the percentage of boys from St. Helens entering first employment and obtaining apprenticeships was 32·6 per cent. This was not as good as was hoped, but nevertheless it is worth stating the figure. The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that the Liverpool Government Training Centre is within normal daily travelling distance of the St. Helens area

asked the Minister of Labour whether he now keeps any record of the skills and training of men forced to leave their homes through temporary unemployment.

Documents describing the skill and experience of all men who register for employment are kept by employment exchanges for at least five years after action on the current registration is completed. Accordingly, if a man again registers for employment at any exchange within that period his documents will be consulted and he will be informed of suitable vacancies in any part of the country to which he is willing to go.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the first reaction to further employment being provided in an area like mine consists of applications from hundreds of men who have had to leave the area in previous years because of lack of employment? Is it, therefore, not desirable for prospective employers in such areas to have an easily obtainable record of the skills and training that would be available to them with the return of such men?

I think that, where there are firm applications from these men, it is a point to be borne in mind. It is true that in a number of cases men who have moved away are not so anxious to return unless there is something definite to come back to. We shall always seek to keep a balance.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is far too much seasonal employment in the North-East of Scotland and that we do not want our men to go away? What is my right hon. Friend doing to encourage more permanent employment?

There is, indeed, seasonal employment, which is unavoidable in certain types of work in the area. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland is well aware of these matters and is seeking to do what he can.

The right hon. Gentleman says that people are willing to go back only if there is the possibility of something definite. Can he tell us, from the figures of the resettlement officers, how many people have gone back to the north-east of Scotland?

If the hon. Gentleman will put down a Question to that effect, I will do my best to answer him.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) how many persons were unemployed in Wales, in Glamorgan and in Barry, respectively, at

asked the Minister of Labour what conclusions he has reached over the report of the official inquiry into London Transport's wages, conditions and service; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and I have just received the Report, and I will make a statement in due course.

While I have not, of course, seen this Report, is my right hon. Friend aware that I believe that it may well contain recommendations for the increased efficiency of London Transport? Will he bear in mind that the public regard increased efficiency as of paramount importance, particularly since the workers have recently had a

As the reply consists of a table of figures, will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can my hon. Friend say anything now about the trends in the period?

I am glad to say that there has been an appreciable decrease in unemployment and an increase in outstanding vacancies in these areas. But my hon. Friend will remember that unemployment was affected last February by unfavourable weather conditions.

I note what my hon. Friend says. We had better await publication of the Report before we comment.

asked the Minister of Labour how many young persons in the Northern Region had been enrolled in training schemes under his Department at the end of January, 1964.

Eighty-two young persons were attending first year apprenticeship training courses in the Northern Region at the end of January, 1964.

Surely the right hon. Gentleman is aware that this is totally inadequate in relation to the problem of school-leavers and youth unemployment in the area. Is he aware that, according to my information, in South-East Northumberland at the moment some 42 per cent. of the school-leavers likely to leave this year will do so at Easter and that there are no jobs available for them? Is he further aware that there are no training facilities available either? Will he be good enough to examine carefully and urgently the facilities now available in Ashington and Morpeth for the establishment of a training centre for these young people?

The Ministry provides the first-year apprenticeship training courses as an example to employers of the type of first-year apprenticeship training, that should be carried out. They are not intended with the idea of absorbing all those unemployed. That is not the purpose. But, apart from what the Ministry is doing, about 1,000 boys last year began first-year apprenticeship courses and pre-apprenticeship courses at technical colleges in the region. That is the other side of the coin. It is significant that the number of unemployed young persons in the area is substantially down while the number of vacancies has risen substantially. I am sure that the trend is improving.

Surely the right hon. Gentleman recognises that even the number of existing training centres is inadequate. When he speaks of the possibility of utilising available services at technical colleges, will he look at the provisions of Ashington Technical College to see whether it could not be used as a training centre for the young people of the area?

I have discussed with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Education whether there could be an expansion of what is being provided in technical colleges for this purpose, and I will be glad to look at the case mentioned by the hon. Gentleman.

asked the Minister of Labour how many accidents occurred in building operations during 1963.

The provisional total of reported accidents in the construction industry during 1963 was 28,377 com- pared with 25,338 in 1962. A full analysis will be published later in the year in the Report of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Factories for 1963.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these are highly unsatisfactory figures and trends? What is he doing to encourage reasonable-sized arms to appoint safety officers? What is he doing to ensure that more care is taken to prevent this serious toll?

We have taken a great deal of trouble, as has the industry itself. It is true that the construction industry has had a high number of accidents for a long time, but in the last few years there have been signs of a welcome spread of interest and activity in accident prevention. Although the overall figures are, to some extent, disappointing, it is worth noting that the reward of all this extra activity and interest is to be seen now. For instance, there was a decrease of 15 per cent. in the number of fatal accidents reported in the construction industry during 1963. We and the industry are doing all in our power to improve the position.

We welcome the spread of interest in safety, but surely what has happened is that certain good firms are prepared to read literature and attend conferences and it is firms which will not take the trouble which are to a very large extent responsible for these very alarming trends. Does not this mean that such firms will have to be inspected more strictly and that this will involve a larger Factory Inspectorate?

I have had a considerable amount to do with this work in the last 18 months, and I have noticed that in that period there has been a considerable increase in activity among a growing number of firms. We are now perhaps reaching the end of those firms who are really interested in the problem and coming to those firms which it will be more difficult to interest. I believe that the best way to spread interest is through such things as construction regulations and courses for safety supervisors. That these will have an increasing effect.

What steps are taken to publicise the record of good firms as against bad firms?

The hon. Gentleman makes an interesting point and I should like to look into it. I will certainly let him know about it.

asked the Minister of Labour what is his estimate of the number of accidents in building operations which are not reported.

A comparison with claims for Industrial Injuries benefit in October, 1962, indicated that some 57 per cent. of the reportable accidents in the construction industries were not then being reported. Since publicity was given to this fact the number of reported accidents has increased. A survey to be undertaken this year will show the current rate of reporting.

Does not that Answer show how unsatisfactory the Answer to Question No. 28 was? Will the hon. Gentleman give consideration to enlarging the Factory Inspectorate and also specialising it in building operations so that it can take over the work of local authorities and inspect the actual fabric of buildings and engage in safety work as well? I would be the first to agree that prosecution is not the way to bring about a reduction in the number of accidents. However, if there were a good and efficient Factory Inspectorate covering all spheres, would that not be a major contribution to bringing about a reduction in the number of accidents?

Although the number of accidents which have not been reported is unsatisfactory, it inevitably remains true that if the standard of reporting is higher and more of the accidents which occur are reported the number of reported accidents tends to rise. To a very large extent this accounts for the rise indicated in my Answer to Question No. 28. I think that the hon. Gentleman will appreciate that this is a fair point. As to the hon. Gentleman's second point, it is true that inspection can help and has a very important part to play. While I consider many factory inspectors to be highly qualified in building operations, inspection is certainly not the whole answer.

Does not the hon. Gentleman's Answer confirm that there is a hard core of firms which either do not know or do not care what the law says about these matters? Is not the only answer for them a much more stringent system of inspection?

That is true to some extent. I remind the hon. Gentleman that to meet this very point my right hon. Friend has had a leaflet prepared setting out in simple language the legal requirements and the procedure for observing them. This leaflet will be distributed free to every building contractor with the Ministry of Public Building and Works building census forms in about six weeks' time. It is bound to do something towards education.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the effects of night and shift work amongst many workers, particularly on health and domestic happiness; and if he will state the number engaged on such work compared with ten years ago, together with other relevant information.

I am not aware that shift work either by day or by night has any significant effects on health, although it can have some social disadvantages; against these must be set the economic benefits resulting from the more productive use of equipment. An inquiry carried out by my Department in 1954 and covering manufacturing and certain other industries showed that about 670,000 out of 5½ million manual workers in these industries were employed on shift work. I regret that later information is not available.

Is the Minister aware that the first part of his reply is contradicted by the Medical Research Council's Report of 1963, which showed that 42 per cent. of the men interviewed were unable to get enough sound sleep during the day and many suffered from loss of appetite, upset digestion or, in some cases, complete breakdown? As night work and shift work are spreading, will he set up a new inquiry to consider the facts?

I am prepared to consider that. However, it must be recognised that in certain industries a degree of this kind of working is inevitable. It is a question of the amount of supervision, and possibly medical supervision, which ought to take place as a safeguard against the things to which the hon. Gentleman referred.

I thank the Minister for that sympathetic reply, and I hope that he will go further into this matter. Is he aware, however, that many of these efficiency wallahs are bursting with enthusiasm about night work, but they would think very differently if they had to do it themselves?

I appreciate what the hon. Gentleman says. We sometimes have to experience night work in the House.

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons under 18 years of age were unemployed in Middlesbrough at the end of January; and how many of these have failed to get work since 1st August, 1962.

On 10th February, 293 boys and girls were unemployed. Four of these had had no employment since August, 1962.

Does the Minister agree that it is very unsatisfactory that young people should have been unemployed for so long? Is he aware that there is a drift of these young people to London? This is causing concern to the parents. Will he take steps to ensure that work is found for these young people on Tees-side?

I recognise that the present position is still not satisfactory, although it is showing a marked improvement. The figure of young people unemployed fell from about 650 in October down to the present level. As to the four who have been unemployed for so long, there are special reasons, including health reasons, which account for that.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will set up a working group with representatives from the employers, trade unions and further education to devise programmes suitable for branching teaching machines, with a view to submitting such programmes to relevant industrial training boards.

I share the hon. Gentleman's belief in the potential value of teaching machines. I do not think, however, that I should anticipate the views of the Central Training Council which I shall be setting up under the Act, and whose duty it will be to advise me on such matters.

Without wishing to be-labour one of the efficiency wallahs of my hon. Friend the Member for Salford, East (Mr. Frank Allaun), would the Minister send a delegation to the firm which I named in a private letter to him on 4th March?

My Department is taking considerable interest in these matters. I will certainly take note of the firm the hon. Gentleman mentioned, and I reiterate my own interest in this matter.

asked the Minister of Labour how many branching teaching machines are installed in Government retraining centres.

None, Sir. But I appreciate the potentialities of these machines and my officers are studying their possible application to the types of instruction undertaken by my Ministry.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he is taking to stimulate the use of branching teaching machines, closed-circuit television and other new techniques in industrial training and whether he will organise a study of there techniques.

The Government are assisting a number of research projects into the use of new techniques of education and instruction and I shall certainly see that the results are brought to the attention of the Central Training Council and of training boards as seems appropriate.

Is the right hon. Gentleman building up within his Ministry—or is it being done in the Ministry of Education—a system of continuing research into these techniques, so that the spread of industrial training can be aided at all stages by the latest developments of this kind?

The Ministry of Education is in close touch with developments in this field and is itself undertaking a number of research projects. In addition, the D.S.I.R. is supporting research projects at Aberdeen University, Enfield College of Technology and Sheffield University. There is a considerable amount going on and we are keeping in the closest touch with it.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the problem is to find a sufficient market to make it worth the while of firms to carry out these developments?

I should be glad to look at any comments the hon. Gentleman cares to make in relation to that.

asked the Minister of Labour what progress has been made by his Department in their efforts to promote more satisfactory procedures for staff representation in the banks.

As I told the House on 20th January, my officers have discussed matters arising from Lord Cameron's Report with the organisations concerned and I met the chairmen of the four banks directly concerned in the inquiry on 5th March. They were not prepared to agree that the National Union of Bank Employees should have the right to make oral representations to them as suggested by Lord Cameron. I propose to ask representatives of the union and of the Central Council of Bank Staff Associations to meet me at an early date to discuss other matters arising out of the Report.

What is the Minister's own attitude in all this? Is it satisfactory that even the rather moderate recommendation of Lord Cameron about the right of the N.U.B.E. to oral representation is apparently still refused by the four banks concerned? Is the right hon. Gentleman simply accepting this, or doing whatever he can to make a new arrangement with the banks, pointing out to them that in this respect they are lagging behind arrangements which have existed in industry and commerce generally for a very long time?

I am engaged in following up Lord Cameron's Report to see if I can find any way in which to make progress. It would be better if I were not to say very much at this stage about how I am approaching it. We want to make progress and we have seen the Report. I should prefer it if the hon. Gentleman would allow me to leave it there.

What are the arguments advanced by the banks themselves against accepting this recommendation of Lord Cameron?

On the strength of my last reply, I would prefer to try to make progress if I can. This is a difficult and delicate subject which has worried many people over a long time. Lord Cameron made a very careful and detailed report and I am trying to find some way in which to make progress. It is not easy, but I should like to try without making public comment at this time.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is satisfied that the provisions of Section 21 of the Factories Act relating in particular to the supervision and training of young persons working at dangerous machines are being carried out adequately; and if he will make a statement.

So long as accidents to young persons remain at their present level, I cannot be satisfied with the situation. In the course of my Department's round of discussions with industry in the past two years, great emphasis has been laid on the need to develop adequate training not only in the risks of particular machines but in all matters of safety. I agree that compliance with Section 21 is important but this is only one of the ways in which we deal with the problem.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at Mauchline in Scotland there is a factory whose management is refusing to re-engage all members of the supervisory staff who belong to my trade union and that the supervision at present is being done by unqualified persons? Can he do anything to deal with the case of which I think, he is aware?

I am aware of this very difficult case, but I am not cognisant of its application to the hon. Gentleman's Question. I will look into it to see if there is anything I can do, but this is not a matter which is easy of solution, for there are many feelings about it.

My supplementary question is related to the Question, because the use of unqualified supervisors may be a contributory factor in accidents.

I did not see it in that way, but I will consider that aspect.

asked the Minister of Labour how many boys and girls in Scotland under 18 years of age have been unemployed for longer than eight weeks; what are the comparable figures for each of the other regions; and what are the similar figures for 1952.

As the reply consists of a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate a table in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

With reference to the purely Scottish figures, will the Minster say whether, judged by the figure for 1952 and the current figure, the Government are satisfied that they have now got a solution to the problem? Are not these figures a tragic commentary on our failure so to organise society as to ensure employment for these young people? Is it not a disgrace that so many thousands of them are unemployed and have been unemployed over the years? Virtually no impact has been made on the solution of this problem by any policy proposed so far by the Government.

The hon. Gentleman will be able to see the figures. The table shows that 2,596 young people in Scotland have been unemployed for over eight weeks at present. This is substantially more than the figure for 1952. Nevertheless, it must be recognised that no fewer than 40,000 young people have entered first employment in Scotland since last August. Despite this, the number of vacancies there is higher now than it was then. The position is improving in these areas and, although it has been unsatisfactory, I am hopeful that it will improve further.

When my right hon. Friend circulates the information in the OFFICIAL REPORT, will he give the figures for 1947?

I am afraid that is another question. If my hon. Friend would table a Question to that effect, I should be very happy to comply with his request.

Will the right hon. Gentleman seek to circulate that figure, in deference to the noble Lord's request? Is not the Minister aware that that figure will bear out what I said in my earlier supplementary question? Has the gap between the Scottish figure and the figure for the other regions worsened or improved since 1952?

Much as I sympathise with the degree of understanding between the two sides of the House on this, I am afraid that I cannot circulate that figure now. This Question will have to go forward on the present information but another Question can be tabled asking for that figure. The hon. Gentleman should study the figures when he sees them. It is difficult at random to say precisely how percentages vary ever the years.