HC Deb 10 January 1977 vol 923 cc410-1W
Mr. Wigley

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated loss of jobs in Wales as a result of the decision to withdraw regional employment premium.

Mr. Joel Barnett

The decision to withdraw regional employment premium was taken as part of a package of industrial measures and it is estimated that the effect of these measures taken as a whole will be to reduce unemployment during 1977 compared with what it would otherwise be.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the loss of income to industry in Scotland in the financial years 1977–78 and 1978–79, respectively, in consequence of the decision to abolish the regional employment premium.

Mr. Joel Barnett

It is estimated that payment of REP in Scotland in 1977–78 and 1978–79 would have been about £60 million in each year.