81. Mr. Ted Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if it 13W is his intention, in view of the rising unemployment in the Northern Region, to introduce a winter work programme this year; and if he will make a statement about the size of such a programme.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI have been asked to reply.
The Government are keeping under close watch the employment situation and outlook in the development areas, including the position of the construction industry.