HC Deb 15 January 1976 vol 903 cc224-5W
Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what percentage of the total number of unemployed construction workers is represented by those unemployed in the Merseyside area.

Mr. John Fraser

At 11th December 1975, of all unemployed persons in Great Britain who last worked in construction, 7 per cent. were in the Merseyside Special Development area.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if, in view of the fact that unemployment on merseyside is nearly three times the national average, he will visit the region at the earliest possible date to meet interested parties to discuss the industrial regeneration of the area.

Mr. John Fraser

My right hon. Friend is, of course, fully aware of the seriousness of the unemployment situation on Merseyside where the level of unemployment is currently about twice the national average. He paid an official visit to Merseyside on 27th June and will bear in mind the possibility of making another. Matters concerning industrial policy are, of course, for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry.