§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to reduce unemployment in the Province; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButlerEmployment prospects in Northern Ireland are heavily dependent on the performance of the national economy. The Government are encouraging the current recovery by continuing to promote a climate favourable to innovation and enterprise of all kinds. The Northern Ireland industrial development agencies are concentrating on encouraging the start-up and expansion of businesses, improving industry's competitiveness and attracting inward investment. Progress on these fronts will greatly assist in creating growth and additional employment opportunities.
To help meet the immediate problem the Government have expanded schemes to alleviate the special difficulties that unemployment creates and to improve training. At the end of May 1984, 19,800 people were benefiting from employment and training measures for which the Department of Economic Development is either responsible or co-ordinator, including 9,650 young people participating in the youth training programme.