HC Deb 19 February 1980 vol 979 c130W
55. Mr. Snape

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what action he proposes to take about current unemployment levels in the West Midlands.

Mr. Jim Lester

The dependence of the West Midlands on manufacturing industries has been its strength in the past; regrettably, however, these industries have been severely affected over the last five years. The Government's policies are designed to achieve a new climate favourable to industry and commerce; this will do more than anything to revitalise the West Midlands economy and so reduce the level of unemployment, provided we get a positive and wholehearted response from managements and work forces.

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