§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons were unemployed in the construction industry in the Province at the latest date; what percentage of workers are unemployed; and what were the respective figures for May 1979.
§ Mr. Adam ButlerOn 13 January 1983 the number of unemployed claimants whose previous employment was in the construction industry was 23,313. The corresponding unemployment rate was 48 per cent. Comparable claimant-based figures are not available for May 1979. However, on 10 May 1979 the number of unemployed construction workers registered at employment service offices was 14,644 and the corresponding unemployment rate was 28 per cent.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to reduce unemployment in the construction industry in the Province; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Adam ButlerThe Government are well aware of the importance of the construction industry to the Northern Ireland economy. The plans for public expenditure in Northern Ireland announced in the public expenditure White Paper (Cmnd. 8789) provide for capital expenditure totalling £611 million in 1983–84, an increase of 8 per cent. over the previous year and some £10 million higher than previous plans. These amounts cover both public expenditure capital on construction projects and on grants and loans to the private sector which will help to provide employment in the construction industry. Current expenditure on maintenance will also generate work for the industry.
The expenditure plans for 1983–84 seek to maintain the high level of housebuilding established last year. A further £5 million has been added to the £12 million package of measures announced last year to assist areas of special need.
I expect that these levels of public expenditure will make a substantial contribution to reducing unemployment in the construction industry.