§ 10. Mr. Watkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the effect on employment of the temporary employment subsidy scheme in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. ConcannonFrom its inception on 18th August 1975 until 25th February 1977 the temporary employment subsidy scheme has safeguarded almost 12,500 jobs—representing approximately 2.5 per cent. of employees in employment.
§ Mr. WatkinsonI thank the Minister for that reply. Does he accept that the scheme is imaginative and that it will provide some stability in a difficult industrial situation in Northern Ireland? Is he satisfied that all the firms that might qualify for the subsidy appreciate that they can obtain this assistance? Will he ensure that the scheme is as widely publicised as possible throughout the Province?
§ Mr. ConcannonMy hon. Friend will be interested to know that 119 Northern Ireland concerns have received assistance. A total of 56 of those are in the clothing manufacturing industry, 21 are in the electronics and engineering industries, 15 in textiles and the remaining 27 in nine other industries. I am satisfied that the firms are aware of the scheme.