§ Mr. George Grantasked the Secretary of State for Employment what measures he is taking to reduce unemployment in the Northern region.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonMy right hon. Friend announced on 21 November 1980 that the Government had decided to continue and expand the programme of special employment measures, which will now run until the end-March 1982.
We are also continuing to concentrate regional assistance on areas of greatest need, including the Northern region, in order to encourage employers to set up or expand their business there.
In the longer term, a substantial reduction in unemployment is largely dependent upon an upturn in world trade. It is the Government's aim to reduce the rate of inflation and improve our productivity so that when this upturn comes we shall be in a better position to take advantage of it.