§ Mr. Altonasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the future employment prospects in Liverpool in the light of proposals relating to Plessey's Edge Lane plant, Liverpool and the Metal Box Company's operations.
§ Mr. Jim LesterThe future employment prospects for Liverpool, as for other parts of the country, largely depend upon the establishment of an economic climate in which firms can be encouraged to set
698Wfigures are not fully comparable. Moreover, international comparison of earnings statistics are not meaningful unless account is taken of (i) differences in taxation and social benefits, and (ii) differences in internal purchasing power which are not reflected in exchange rates.
The figures have been converted from national currencies at the average exchange rates for the months in question.
up, and expand, in the area. It is the Government's aim to work towards this objective in co-operation with those who live and work on Merseyside.
I understand that Plessey is still considering its detailed for the reconstruction of the Edge Lane site and until these are completed it is not possible to form conclusions on future employment prospects there.
In the case of Metal Box, I understand that the company has no current plans to reduce employment at its Speke plant.