HC Deb 05 March 1985 vol 74 c770
12. Mr. Campbell-Savours

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will undertake a review of the Manpower Services Commission's operations within the county of Cumbria.

Mr. Peter Morrison

I am not aware of any need for such a review, but I would be happy to hear from the hon. Member about any particular matters.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

In any decision taken nationally to increase the number of community programme places, will the Minster pay special attention to Cumbria, and to my constituency, where unemployment is over 20 per cent.? Does he accept that in a constituency where it is difficult to attract footloose industry the community programme is of special importance? In the discussions that take place annually with the Chancellor of the Exchequer before the Budget, has anything been said about the community programme for this financial year?

Mr. Morrison

The hon. Gentleman and I have corresponded and we have discussed matters relating to his constituency and the community programme. I have watched carefully. I am sure the hon. Gentleman will agree that it is only fair for the number of places in his part of the country to reflect the total number of unemployed as a percentage of the whole.