§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secetary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on unemployment.
§ Mr. Golding:The Government's policy for the reduction of unemployment on a stable foundation is based on the reduction of inflation and strengthening the balance of payments. We also seek to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of manufacturing industry so as to increase both manufacturing employment and to provide a sound base for the growth of service industries.
In the meantime, the Government have, since 1975 introduced a series of special measures to mitigate the worst effects of unemployment and help those people particularly hard hit by unemployment. At present there are in operation the Temporary Employment Subsidy scheme, the Job Creation Programme, the Job Release Scheme, the Work Ex- 888W perience Programme, the Youth Employment Subsidy, the Small Firms Employment Subsidy and a Job Introduction Scheme for the Disabled together with substantial extensions of the training and placement services. Since their inception nearly £900 million has been allocated to them and some 790,000 people will benefit. In addition the Government have asked the Manpower Services Commission to introduce a new Youth Opportunities Programme, which will bring together and build on existing measures for young people, and a new Special Temporary Employment Programme for adults to replace the Job Creation Programme. When these are fully in operation, in September 1978, provision for young people will have been roughly doubled, with an increase in temporary employment opportunities for adults.