HC Deb 28 February 1983 vol 38 cc56-7W
Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what are the latest number of persons unemployed in the construction industry in (a) the Liverpool travel-to-work area and (b) the Merseyside special development area; and how these figures compare with May 1979;

(2) if he will publish in the Official Report (a) the level of unemployment in the construction industry in the special development areas in England and Wales at the latest date and (b) the percentage figures in the special development areas; and what were the respective figures for May 1979.

Mr. Alison

I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what plans he has to reduce unemployment in the construction industry; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alison

The success of the Government's economic strategy is the key to the long-term future of the construction industry, and of course industry as a whole. The public expenditure White Paper allows for a 10 per cent. increase in public capital expenditure on construction in 1983–84 over the 1982–83 out-turn. My colleagues are also making every effort to see that the available resources are spent.