§ Mr. ParryTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the unemployment figure for the travel-to-work area of the city of Liverpool in figures and percentage terms at the latest available date; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. McLoughlinIn February 1993, unadjusted claimant unemployment in the Liverpool travel-to-work338W area was 73,996 or 15.2 per cent. of the work force. This is 29 per cent. lower than in June 1986, when claimant unemployment in the region was at its peak.
§ Mr. ParryTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what steps she plans to improve the unemployment situation in the city of Liverpool; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe overall policy of the Department is to promote a free and flexible labour market that is designed to help encourage employment in Liverpool, as in all areas. In addition, the Department provides a range of employment and training programmes and local initiatives, through the Employment Service and training and enterprise councils, to help people increase their skills, and equip themselves for work. From April 1993, this range of measures is being enhanced and expanded.