§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the latest unemployment figures for Dundee; and if he will outline the measures he proposes to take to improve the situation.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherOn 11 June 1981 unemployment in the Dundee employment office area stood at 15,152—15.5 per cent. The creation of new and secure jobs in Dundee is being encouraged by its special development area status and by the £6 million industrial development programme being undertaken there by the Scottish Development Agency. To help those unable to find work, the Government have expanded the programme of special employment measures this year. In the longer term, a lasting reduction in unemployment in Dundee, as elsewhere, will only be achieved by the creation of a sound and competitive economy, and it is to this end that our policies are directed.