§ 17. Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Employment what study he has made of the report Supplied to him by the Staffordshire Association of Trades Councils on major redundancies and the consequent increase in unemployment in the county; what steps he is taking to reduce the level of unemployment in Staffordshire; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John FraserMy Department has considered the report and is aware of the employment problems to which it refers.
The level of unemployment in the county as a whole is below the rate for the West Midlands and the country generally. Consequently, no special steps are being taken solely in relation to Staffordshire to reduce the level of unemployment.
The Manpower Services Commission, through its employment and training service agencies, will, of course, do all it can to assist workers affected by redundancy.