§ 14. Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the level of unemployment in the West Midlands; and what steps he is taking to find jobs for those unemployed there.
§ Mr. John FraserOn 14th April the rate of unemployment was 3.7 per cent. The facilities of the Manpower Services Commission are always available to help workers find fresh employment.
§ Mrs. ShortIs my hon. Friend aware that West Midlands Members of Parliament are very concerned about the high level of unemployment in that area'? We are particularly concerned about the recession in the car industry and about the fact that a large slice of the British home market has been taken by imported cars. Will my hon. Friend take urgent steps through the National Enterprise Board to see that the car industry is resuscitated and that alternative sources of employment are provided, particularly for young people who will be leaving school this summer and also for women who are to be retrained and who will therefore need additional opportunities following Labour legislation?
§ Mr. FraserThe rate of unemployment in the West Midlands is 3.7 per cent., which is rather less than the national average. Of course the Government recognise the importance of the car industry, as will the National Enterprise Board when it is set up, and I am sure that my hon. Friend welcomes the proposals set out in the Ryder Report. The 1206 diversification of West Midlands industry is a matter which is taken into account in the issue of industrial development certificates.
§ Mr. BudgenDoes the hon. Gentleman agree that one of the best ways in which the Government can help to tackle the problem is to expand their tiny retraining programme?
§ Mr. FraserThe hon. Gentleman is speaking out of ignorance. The Government's training programme is greater than it has ever been before and is being further expanded. Therefore, the hon. Gentleman's comments are not at all helpful.