§ Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he 122W is taking to counteract the loss of jobs as a result of the decision to phase out the regional employment premium within the next 18 months.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellAs has frequently been stated, the regional employment premium will be maintained at its present level until September 1974, the period for which it was originally introduced, and phased out thereafter. The rate and method of phasing out will be announced in due course in the light of circumstances at the time and after consultation with both sides of industry. Among the circumstances to be taken into account will be the prospective employment situation in the areas concerned.