§ Dr. Kingasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development what new openings the 24W Government is providing for employment of men made redundant by the shrinkage of employment in the docks, ship-repair factories and railways in the Southampton area.
§ Mr. HeathEmployment in Southampton has shown considerable improvement during the past seven months. The rate of wholly unemployed in November was lower than a year ago, and equivalent to the average for the country as a whole.
In view of the needs of other parts of the country, where unemployment is much higher, I consider that there is no need for special action to be taken at this time to introduce new industry to Southampton.