§ 35. Mr. Roseasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs whether he will enter into discussions with the Northern Ireland Government to seek ways of encouraging economic growth in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. ShoreThere is already close liaison on economic matters between the Northern Ireland Government and the United Kingdom Government.
§ Mr. RoseIs my hon. Friend aware of the terrible plight of areas like Strabane with an unemployment rate of 30 per cent., and will he ensure that when work opportunities are provided in those areas—I hope that they will be forthcoming—there will be no political or religious discrimination attached to employment?
§ Mr. ShoreNorthern Ireland employment policy is a matter for the Northern Ireland Government, although we do our best to assist them because Northern Ireland is treated as are Scotland, Wales and the other development areas in relation to general Government policy. I am very aware of the particular sub-regional problem in Northern Ireland to which my hon. Friend has referred. I have discussed it with the Northern Ireland Government and, as far as possible, they are taking action to alleviate it.
§ Sir Knox CunninghamWhile I welcome every step to encourage economic growth, in which great progress has already been made by the Northern Ireland Government, will the Minister advise his hon. Friend to stop his mischief-making visits?
§ Mr. RoseOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Is it in order for an hon. Member to state that another hon. Mem- 728 ber should not have the right to set foot in another part of the United Kingdom?
§ Mr. SpeakerI do not think that the hon. and learned Gentleman put it in exactly that way. He made adverse comments, but that is not unusual here.
§ Dr. MillerOn a point of order. Will the hon. and learned Gentleman include me in his admonishments?
§ Sir Knox CunninghamGladly.