§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to alleviate the high level of unemployment amongst construction workers on Merseyside; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreesonThe Government will continue to give what help they can to the construction industry on Merseyside, although the scope for action is limited by the serious constraints on public expenditure. So far as local authority house building is concerned, we intend to ensure that the available resources are concentrated much more selectively than before on meeting the needs of stress areas. An additional advance factory building programme in assisted areas is under consideration. So far as Merseyside is concerned, further office development is planned as part of the Government's dispersal programme.
642WThe steps which the Government are taking to regenerate manufacturing industry and to improve the economic situation generally should benefit the construction industry in Merseyside and elsewhere.