Unemployment (Hansard, 1 July 1993)

§ 23. Ms Short
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to reduce unemployment in west Belfast.

§ Mr. Atkins
West Belfast benefits from the wide range of economic development programmes aimed at helping to generate economic growth and durable employment throughout Northern Ireland. Within these programmes, disadvantaged areas, including west Belfast, receive special treatment; for example, inward investors can receive more generous assistance if they locate in such areas.
West Belfast is covered by the Making Belfast Work initiative which continues to play an important role in tackling material deprivation. This year a further £24 million has been allocated to the initiative which aims to increase jobs and investment, improve community participation and enhance the skills and improve the quality of life of residents in the area.
There are also five Belfast action teams operating in west Belfast and urban regeneration work such as the planned development of the former Mackies factory site at Springvale will also contribute to the economic prospects of the area.

§ 27. Mr. Patrick Thompson
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what measures he is taking to reduce unemployment; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Atkins
The trend in unemployment in Northern Ireland is now firmly downwards with an average fall of 1,000 per month over the last three months. Further reductions in unemployment in Northern Ireland depend on the achievement of higher levels of economic growth which will lead to an increased number of employment opportunities and on Northern Ireland industry becoming more internationally competitive.
The main features of the Government's strategy to achieve this growth include helping companies to identify and remove obstacles to growth; encouraging inward investment; building up management and workforce skills; developing an enterprise culture; and supporting innovation and research and development. Help is available in each of these areas for activities which will improve business performance.