HC Deb 31 January 1978 vol 943 cc235-6
11. Mr. Loyden

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what further steps he is taking to reduce unemployment on Merseyside.

Mr. John Grant

Merseyside will continue to benefit from the special measures which the Government have introduced to relieve unemployment and which have so far benefited over 41,000 people on Merseyside. In coming months, Merseyside should also benefit from the special temporary employment programme and the youth opportunities programme.

Mr. Loyden

Does my hon. Friend accept that the unemployment position on Merseyside still causes grave concern and that many of us are concerned about the rate of progress? As his Department is the Department of Employment, will he ask the Secretary of State to resist any measures that may be taken in the near future to increase Merseyside unemployment by the closure of any Leyland plant in that area?

Mr. Grant

I cannot anticipate discussions that, I understand, will take place tomorrow between the chairman and the unions and management at British Leyland, but certainly I and the Government appreciate the earlier point that my hon. Friend raised. Merseyside already has special development area status and so qualifies for the highest levels regional assistance under the Industry Act. However, I know that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry in particular continues to give the area high priority.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

Does my hon. Friend accept that within Merseyside, Kirkby is the unemployment black spot—indeed, one of the three in the country—and that, given the nature of its problems, what is needed there are special measures tailored to meet its particular needs?

Mr. Grant

If I were not aware of Kirkby's being a particular black spot, I should be aware as a result of my hon. Friend's efforts to draw the Government's attention to the matter. But many other areas would claim special attention. Kirkby, like other parts of Merseyside, must benefit from the measures I have already outlined.