HC Deb 05 July 1979 vol 969 cc1541-2
9. Mr. Stallard

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what are the estimated effects of the proposed reduction of £35 million in annual public expenditure.

Mr. Rossi

This information was given in a statement made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 13 June, which received widespread publicity in Northern Ireland. I am sending a copy of it to the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. Stallard

In the few weeks that the hon. Gentleman has been in his present position has he learned that there is a widely-held belief in Northern Ireland that when Britain sneezes the Six Counties catch a cold? Does he accept that the lengthening of dole queues, which are already the longest in the United Kingdom, and a reduction in the opportunities for education and jobs for school leavers is no way to bring about a solution to the tragic problems of Northern Ireland? Can he assure me that his right hon. Friend will now impress upon his Cabinet colleagues the need to maintain the special status of Northern Ireland?

Mr. Rossi

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that that is exactly what my right hon. Friend is doing.

Mr. Farr

In view of the very high rate of unemployment in the Province, will my hon. Friend make sure that any cuts in expenditure will hit employment projects as little as possible?

Mr. Rossi

I am glad to give my hon. Friend that assurance. We have taken particular care not to take the soft option of making cuts in capital construction programmes. We have avoided that.