§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans Her Majesty's Government have for reducing unemployment in the Province; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButlerEconomic prospects at both national and international level have now improved and Northern Ireland can expect to benefit as a result. However, the employment scene in Northern Ireland remains extremely difficult and the Government have taken a number of measures to alleviate the position. In March 1983 my right hon. Friend introduced a major new package of incentives and assistance which will help firms already located in Northern Ireland and sharpen the competitiveness of Northern Ireland's incentives for incoming firms.
The overseas promotional effort of the Industrial Development Board has been enhanced and extended and the board has placed an increased emphasis on its support to local industry. This, coupled with the recent announcement that Aldergrove airport has been selected as a location for a freeport, should enhance Northern Ireland's attractiveness as a potential international trading base and attract more international companies to locate in the Province.
In the shorter term a number of schemes operate with the direct aim of reducing the level of unemployment. At the end of December 1983, the latest date for which figures are available, 19,400 adults and young persons were engaged in employment and training measures for which the Department of Economic Development is responsible or which it co-ordinates.