HC Deb 11 June 1979 vol 968 c79W
Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the recent unemployment figures on Merseyside.

Mr. Jim Lester

I refer the hon. member to the reply I gave to his question on 22 May.—[Vol. 967, c.105.]

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on his recent visit to Merseyside.

Mr. Jim Lester

During his visit to Merseyside on 25 May my right hon. Friend met trade unionists, employers and representatives of the local authorities.

The visit provided a welcome opportunity to hear at first hand the views of those who live and work on Merseyside on what needs to be done, and my right hon. Friend proposes a follow-up visit to review developments, later this summer.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what plans he has to reduce unemployment on Merseyside.

Mr. Jim Lester

The Government are currently considering how best they can help reduce unemployment throughout the country, particularly in areas of high unemployment such as Merseyside.