§ Q22. Mr. McNallyasked the Prime Minister when next she plans to visit Greater Manchester.
§ Mr. WhitelawI have been asked to reply.
My right hon. Friend has at present no plans to do so.
§ Q24. Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Prime Minister how many building workers are out of work in Greater Manchester; and how many extra building workers will be employed there as a result of the Budget announcements.
§ Mr. WhitelawI have been asked to reply.
In August 1981, the latest date for which information is available, there were 19,743 registered unemployed people in the Greater Manchester area who last worked in the construction industry. I have no doubt that the measures announced by my right hon. and learned Friend in his 1982 Budget will stimulate increased activity and employment in the industry, both in the Greater Manchester area and in the country as a whole. It would be unrealistic to suggest any precise estimate of the number of jobs which will be created as a result of these measures—either nationally or in individual areas.