§ 13. Mr. Allen Adamsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the increase in numbers of unemployed persons in the Paisley travel-to-work area in the first quarter of 1986, compared with the first quarter of 1985.
§ Mr. Allan StewartOn 9 January and 6 March 1986 the numbers of unemployed people claiming benefit in the Paisley, North parliamentary constituency—there is no Paisley travel-to-work area as such—were respectively 5,854 and 5,596. On 10 January and 14 March 1985 the corresponding figures were 5,695 and 5,571. The figures for March 1986 are not comparable with earlier figures because of the change in the compilation of the unemployment statistics announced on 19 February.
§ Mr. AdamsIs the Minister aware of the real anger and dismay that is felt in the Paisley and Renfrew areas over the Government's failure to provide jobs since the closure of Talbot? Can he name a single major employer that he has attracted into the Renfrew district in the past five years? Will he speak to the Scottish Development Agency 931 and take along with him a map of west Scotland to show the agency where Renfrew and Paisley are, as the SDA does not appear to know?
§ Mr. StewartI am glad that the hon. Gentleman was able to ask his question. Unfortunately, he was not listening earlier during Question Time when I said that there would be a meeting tomorrow involving the SDA about a possible initiative for Renfrew. I also named earlier two companies in my part of Renfrew district which have expanded under the Government's policy. I know that the SDA is committed to ensuring that Renfrew district gets its share of the resources that are available.