HC Deb 19 February 1980 vol 979 c120W
19. Mr. Radice

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he is satisfied with the level of unemployment in the Northern region.

Mr. Jim Lester

No. Unemployment in the Northern region is too high. That is one of the reasons why the Government decided to concentrate regional aid on areas of greatest need, including the industrialised North-East, so that employers would be encouraged to set up or expand there and create the real jobs which are so much needed.

32. Mr. Dormand

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what further plans he has to increase employment in the Northern region.

Mr. Jim Lester

The Government's policies remain to create the economic climate in which industry and commerce will have the confidence to expand and so create new real jobs.

I realise that parts of Northern region are currently facing serious employment problems, and that is one of the reasons why the Government are to concentrate regional assistance on areas of greatest need, such as the industrialised North-East, so that more employers will be encouraged to set up or expand there and broaden still further the region's economic base.