§ Mr. Tom Kingasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is intended to bring the payment of regional employment premium for female employees up to the level of male employees before 29th December 1975 to reflect the requirements under the Equal Pay Act.
§ Mr. Joel BarnettWhen my right hon. Friend announced the continuation of the Regional Employment Premium in his Budget Statement in March last year he said that consideration would be given to possibilities for the future. The regional unemployment problem, particularly in the most difficult areas, is largely one of male unemployment and there is therefore a case to be considered for a higher premium for male jobs, but the implications of the Equal Pay Act will of course be taken into account in the review and the Government's intention will be made clear in due course.