HC Deb 22 October 1986 vol 102 c1160
13. Mr. Craigen

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what initiatives he has in mind to increase employment in the Glasgow area.

Mr. Lang

We aim to improve employment prospects in Glasgow as elsewhere by our policy of encouraging the build-up of a strong, competitive economy. Investment by the Scottish Development Agency and the full range of the Manpower Services Commission's employment and training measures will further help to create jobs in Glasgow.

Mr. Craigen

I asked the Minister what new initiatives he had, and it appears that he has brought forward none. With 77,000 out of jobs in Glasgow, will he have a word with his hon. Friend in the housing department to ascertain whether there are ways in which extra employment can be generated in the city by taking on new construction projects? Will the Minister ensure that Glasgow is getting its fair share of Government purchasing?

Mr. Lang

There are a number of specific initiatives that I could mention to the hon. Gentleman — for example, the GEAR project, whereby £281 million of Government money has generated a further £173 million of private money. The garden festival in 1988 will be a tremendous boost to Glasgow, and work on that project is already well advanced. Glasgow is benefiting enormously from the urban aid programme and receives about a quarter of the Scottish Development Agency's project programme moneys.