HC Deb 03 December 1986 vol 106 c670W
Mr. Pike

asked the Paymaster General what have been the major causes of the loss of jobs in the north-west area in the last seven years.

Mr. Lee

The principal reason for the loss of jobs in the north-west area has been the decline in labour-intensive, traditional industries and the lower manning levels required by more efficient manufacturing processes. Lack of competitiveness due to overmanning and high labour costs contributed to this loss of jobs. Unemployment also reflects an increase in the number of people seeking work.