§ 56. Mr. Hefferasked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the present levels of unemployment on Mersey-side for all unemployed, and for males separately, and what steps the Government are taking locally to deal with the situation.
§ Mr. Dudley SmithIn June the unemployment rate for the Merseyside development area was 58 per cent. and the male rate was 7.8 per cent.
My right hon. Friend the Minister for Industrial Development is holding a conference in Liverpool on Friday to review Merseyside's industrial resources and how best to market them. Taking part will be representatives of the local authorities, chamber of commerce, employers, and trade unions. My right hon. Friend 302W continues to draw the attention of suitable firms to the advantages of expansion in Merseyside and to the considerable inducements it can offer under the Industry Act.