§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for Employment if, in view of the fact that Kirkby has a higher rate of male unemployment than elsewhere, he will undertake a review of the employment prospects in the town with a view to drawing up a plan for greater Government assistance towards the location of new industries in the town and the stimulation of employment.
§ Mr. GoldingI recognise the seriousness of the present unemployment position in Kirkby. However, for the reasons given in my reply on 27th November 1975, it is not possible to calculate meaningful unemployment rates for Kirkby or to isolate the employment problems of Kirkby from the problems of the Liverpool travel-to-work area.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry has the main governmental responsibility for stimulating employment in the assisted areas.