§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Employment what plans Her Majesty's Government have to reduce unemployment amongst seamen in England and Wales and on Merseyside.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonEmployment prospects for seamen who are unemployed on Merseyside and in the country as a whole depend above all on both sides of the shipping industry working together to keep the United Kingdom fleet competitive in world markets.
Her Majesty's Government believe they can best contribute by continuing to pursue policies which are designed to reduce inflation and get the economy on to a sound footing.
The employment and training services of the Manpower Services Commission are, of course, always available to those who seek employment opportunities on shore.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the total of unemployed seamen at the latest date (a) in England and Wales and (b) on Merseyside; and what percentages of total unemployment these figures represent in each case.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonI shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.