HC Deb 31 October 1984 vol 65 cc1050-1W
16. Mr. McKelvey

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to alleviate the level of unemployment in Ayrshire.

Mr. Younger

The Government attach great importance to improving the prospects for employment in Ayrshire. Since 1979 we have provided regional selective assistance for projects in the area to secure investment of £387 million and 11,378 jobs including 2,413 safeguarded.

We are supporting a number of enterprise trusts and similar initiatives including the Kilmarnock venture through the Scottish Development Agency and have designated an area around Prestwick airport as Scotland's first freeport.

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