§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on his recent visit to Merseyside.
§ Mr. TebbitDuring my visit to Merseyside on 4 and 5 February I was able to meet a number of local employers and trades unionists, local authority representatives, school teachers and pupils as well as members of my Department, other civil servants and staff of the MSC. I was able to thank those concerned with the special employment and training measures for their help in ensuring the success of these measures on Merseyside.
I visited the Cammell Laird training centre, which I found most impressive, and I addressed the Merseyside chamber of commerce and industry and the Anglican diocesan synod. I was encouraged to hear of the success of Merseyside Docks and Harbour Company in building upon recently improved industrial relations to gain new business for the port of Liverpool.
My discussions gave me a better insight into the difficulties facing Merseyside, and left me even more aware of the need to promote the opportunities which the Government's new training measures will offer to the area.