§ 55. Mr. Snapeasked the Secretary of State for Employment what action he proposes to take about current unemployment levels in the West Midlands.
§ Mr. Jim LesterThe 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.