HC Deb 09 June 1981 vol 6 c93W
Mr. Jim Callaghan

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will take urgent action to offset the decline of jobs in manufacturing industry in the Greater Manchester area.

Mr. Peter Morrison

An increase in the number of jobs in the manufacturing sector in the Greater Manchester area, as in the country as a whole, is largely dependent upon an upturn in world trade and the ability of the firms concerned to compete in world markets.

The Government's policies aim to bring about the economic conditions in which competitive firms can take advantage of such an upturn and create the new jobs needed.