§ Mr. Whitakerasked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what additional measures the Government are taking to prevent increases in unemployment in the coming winter.
§ Mr. ShoreHaving regard to likely levels of unemployment this winter the Government have decided to authorise expenditure on work to create additional employment during the winter months. The total amount that can be allocated for this purpose has to be limited to £10 million because of the present restrictions on public expenditure. This sum will be devoted to work in the Development Areas in Scotland, Wales and the Northern Region. The Government's decision to concentrate expenditure on these particular Development Areas, takes into account the burden which unemployment, and in particular the effect of pit closures, present there, in terms of102W both the number and percentage of persons unemployed.
In addition, my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General has arranged to bring forward £1.5 million of the Post Office investment programme which also will provide additional employment in Development Areas during the winter months.