§ Mr. Nottasked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs (1) what official studies have been published showing the effect of the Selective Employment Tax on unemployment in the South-West development area;
(2) what research has been undertaken on the effect of the Selective Employment Tax on unemployment in the development areas.
§ Mr. UrwinMy right hon. Friend is keeping the unemployment position in all the Development Areas under constant review, but it is difficult to isolate the effects of the tax from other influences on employment. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked Mr. W. B. Reddaway to undertake an inquiry into S.E.T. which, although not a regional study, will provide an independent view on the effects of the tax.