HC Deb 04 April 1978 vol 947 cc228-9
11. Mr. Silvester

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the latest unemployment figures for the North-West; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Golding

At 9th March, 205,428 people were registered as unemployed in the North-West Region. We estimate that our special measures have so far helped over 164,000 people in the North-West. It is hoped that full advantage will be taken of the extension of the small firms employment subsidy and the job release scheme, and that full support will be given by trade unions and employers to the special temporary employment programme and the youth opportunities programme.

Mr. Silvester

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are more school leavers unemployed in the North-West than in any other region except Scotland? What do the Government propose to do about it?

Mr. Golding

We have imposed an obligation on the Manpower Services Commission to make sure that every youngster who left school this Easter or who leaves in the summer is given an opportunity by next Easter.

Mr. John Evans

Does my hon. Friend agree that the figures he has given are alarming? Does he not feel that the time has come when special development area status should be extended to more areas in the North-West than enjoy it at present?

Mr. Golding

That is a question for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry. We certainly regard the figures as alarming, and that is why we have taken measures that are particularly helpful to the North-West, such as the new Multi-Fibre Arrangement, the short-time working scheme and the successful renegotiation of the temporary employment subsidy with the Common Market.

Mr. Arnold

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that the appalling unemployment situation in the North-West has become much worse as a result of the declining trend and low absolute value of renewed capital investment relative to every other region in the United Kingdom? How will the policies to which he has referred bring about a situation where this will be changed?

Mr. Golding

The relationship between investment and employment is very complex, as those in the North-West can confirm. Our belief is that the £400 million that has been given to the North-West in regional financial assistance over the past five years has been very helpful.