§ Mr. Fosterasked the Secretary of State for Employment what percentage of the population in the United Kingdom as a whole and the Northern region are employed in service sector industries; and if Her Majesty's Government will take steps to create more service sector jobs in the Northern region.
§ Mr. AlisonThe latest available figures show that the proportion of the population aged 16 and over who were employed in service industries in the United Kingdom was 29 per cent. in June 1982, and in the Northern region was 26 per cent.
The Government recognise the importance of the service sector to the Northern region and to the rest of the country. They are particularly concerned to encourage the growth of service employment in the assisted areas. Through the office and service industries scheme grants are available to encourage firms to set up, expand or relocate office and service activities in the assisted areas.