§ Mr. George Grantasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated loss of income to industry in the Northern Region in the years 1977–78 and 1978–79, respectively, resulting from the decision to abolish the regional employment premium; and what is the estimated job loss as a consequence.
§ Mr. Joel BarnettIt is estimated that about £50 million would have been spent on the regional employment premium in the Northern Region in both 1977–78 and 1978–79. The premium was withdrawn as part of a package of industrial and economic measures and the effect of this package will be to reduce unemployment as against what it would otherwise have been.