HC Deb 15 October 1975 vol 897 cc749-50W
Mr. Duffy

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to alleviate unemployment in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Orme

The Government have announced measures to reduce unemployment in Northern Ireland during the coming winter and during 1976–77, which are estimated to cost just under £7 million and aim to provide employment or training places for between 4,500 and 5,000. The recruitment subsidy scheme for school leavers will parallel that already introduced in Great Britain, just as the temporary employment subsidy is already available in Northern Ireland.

There will be a wide range of measures aimed at creating employment, both urban and rural. Training and mobility allowances will be up-rated and several special training schemes are envisaged, which fill gaps in an already sophisticated structure. There will be some additional factory and warehouse building and factory renovation. All these measures will be weighted towards younger people and towards the areas of highest unemployment. They will be carefully watched so that they may be varied if necessary in the light of experience. Other measures to assist the construction industry are still being considered.

I shall chair a conference in Belfast on 17th October, at which a wide selection of representatives of Northern Ireland industry and commerce will be present, to discuss these measures and any others which might be taken to combat unemployment.