Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many jobs have been lost in the construction industry in Northern Ireland since June 1979; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. ButlerBetween June 1979 and June 1982, the latest date for which employment figures are available, there was a net loss of 11,523 jobs in the construction206W industry. The loss of employment which occurred in the earlier part of the period was offset by a slight increase in the last 12 months. Indications therefore point towards some recovery in employment in the construction industry. The Government's public expenditure plans continue to give a high priority to housing and the encouragement of investment in capital works, and this, coupled with the new measures aimed at stimulating industrial growth, should assist to promote further development within this important sector of industry in the Province.