§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement as to the purpose of his visit on Friday 25 May to Liverpool; whom he met; and what was discussed.
§ Mr. Jim LesterThe purpose of my right hon. Friend's visit to Liverpool on 25 May was to hear at first hand about the problems of the area from those who live and work there. During the visit he met representatives of local authorities, the North-West TUC and senior management, and he visited two firms in the area. Discussions were about the action which276W the Government could take to reduce unemployment on Merseyside, including encouraging industry to the area to provide permanent employment, and the programme of special measures administered by my Department and the Manpower Services Commission.
§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement as to the steps he is proposing to take to improve employment prospects in Liverpool, in the light of his visit on 25 May.
§ Mr. Jim LesterThe Government are determined to do all they can to improve employment prospects in areas of high unemployment such as Liverpool. We are currently considering how best we can achieve this aim. I am myself proposing to visit Liverpool tomorrow.