Merseyside Special Development Area (Hansard, 6 May 1982)

§ Mr. Alison

At April 1982, the provisional number registered as unemployed in the Merseyside special development area was 129,155. This includes school leavers and is not adjusted for seasonal variation.

The Government remain committed to doing all they can to help with the problems of Merseyside. However, it is profitable businesses, not Governments, which create jobs. What Governments can do is help create the conditions in which firms are enabled to prosper. The Government's policies are therefore aimed at developing a soundly based economy, which means, among other things, continuing to bring inflation steadily down. The more British firms that can offer goods and services at home and abroad that people want to buy at prices they are prepared to pay, the more new jobs we shall see, both in Merseyside and throughout the country.

Meanwhile, as we progress towards our objectives, Merseyside will continue to benefit from the Government's programme of special employment measures. In addition, the area has every from of Government assistance available including special development area status, an inner city partnership, an urban development corporation and an enterprise zone. Also, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment is working with local government and the private sector to find ways of strengthening the area's economy and improving its environment.