§ Mr. Peter Walkerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in view of the high unemployment in the construction industry in the West Midlands, he will bring in a scheme similar to Operation Eyesore for that region to operate during the financial year 1976–77.
§ Mr. FreesonThe Government introduced a series of measures in September 1975 to alleviate unemployment including a substantial boost to public sector construction. The further set of measures announced last Thursday by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer included an additional £50 million for public sector house improvements. This will help unemployment in the construction industry in 1976–77 more effectively than the reintroduction of Operation Eyesore.