asked the Minister of Labour what were the average monthly percentages of unemployed registered in the Greenock—Port Glasgow area in the years 1961, 1962, and 1963, respectively; and what is the average monthly figure so far for 1964.

They were 7·4 per cent. for 1961, 7·2 per cent. for 1962, 8·5 per cent. for 1963 and 7·4 per cent. for January to February this year.

In view of the Government's failure to make progress with this very urgent problem, can the right hon. Gentleman inform the House of his intentions in relation to industrial retraining in the area? Is he aware that he is proposing to provide far too small a service for the number of unemployed, and we are completely at sea about the numbers to be introduced in these courses. Can the Minister give us some information on the subject?

We shall certainly consider the kind of training to be provided at the new centre in Port Glasgow in relation to the jobs becoming available in the area. I will certainly look at that matter again for the hon. Member. Training will be provided in the engineering and building trades.