§ 42. Mr. Allan Robertsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects his predicted upturn in the United Kingdom's economy to have an effect on the level of unemployment on Merseyside.
§ Mr. BrittanThe rate of increase of unemployment in the United Kingdom has slowed down considerably in recent months. It is still too early to say, however, when the signs of recovery we are already seeing in the economy will feed through sufficiently to bring down the level of unemployment, both nationally and on Merseyside. The problems of Merseyside are longstanding and cannot be reversed quickly. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, who has special responsibility for Merseyside, is pursuing a number of initiatives in the area which will help to create jobs, directly or indirectly, by making the area more attractive for investment.