asked the Minister of Labour how many youths and girls were registered as unemployed in the burghs of Clydebank and Kirkintilloch, respectively, at the latest available date; and what steps he is taking to place young people into suitable employment.

On 10th June, 86 in Clydebank and 30 in Kirkintilioch. The Youth Employment Service is doing all it can to find suitable jobs for the young people.

Does the hon. Gentleman appreciate that in the Burgh of Kirkintilloch particularly, where there is an overspill agreement with Glasgow, this is likely to be added to considerably during the latter part of 1963? Will he do all he can to encourage employers to take on more apprentices?

I accept what the hon. Member says. I think we have reason for some modest encouragement in that there were 361 school leavers in Clydebank and Kirkintilloch at Easter and of these only seven were still registered, for first employment in June.

asked the Minister of Labour how many men and women are registered as unemployed in the Burghs of Clydebank and Kirkintilloch, respectively.

On 10th June, 1,425 men and 334 women at the Clydebank Employment Exchange and 312 men and 182 women at the Kirkintilloch Exchange.

This is far more serious; it is very serious indeed. Development is taking place in both burghs to reduce the labour force in respective industries, for instance, Singers at Clydebank. Will the hon. Gentleman keep in touch with other Departments of State, particularly the Board of Trade, to see what can be done to require industry to settle in Clydebank by getting a factory there which could employ the enormous surplus of labour?

There is some satisfaction in the fact that, although the figures are higher than they were a year ago, they have fallen since last month. There is also encouragement in the measures being taken to improve the position. I shall see that the particular point made by the hon. Member is brought to the attention of my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.