HC Deb 11 May 1973 vol 856 c220W
Mr. Fitch

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has any proposals for reducing the high rate of unemployment in the Wigan area; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Anthony Grant

Wigan was given intermediate area status as recently as March 1972. Since then unemployment has fallen and the number of vacancies has risen and I expect this to continue as a result both of measures available under the Industry Act and as a result of the growth of the economy as a whole.