48. Mr. John M. Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Employment which initiatives have been most successful in generating new employment in the west midlands.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkThe Government are committed to maintaining their economic policies which are directed at holding down inflation and public borrowing, while encouraging greater enterprise flexibility and competitiveness in industry and the labour market. This is the only way to generate lasting jobs in the west midlands and elsewhere. Telford and the West Midlands metropolitan county have recently been designated intermediate areas to attract industry and investment, and thus improve job prospects. And we are encouraging the growth of employment through initiatives such as the enterprise allowance scheme which is currently helping some 4,500 people in the west midlands to set up their own businesses, and by establishing enterprise zones in Dudley and Telford.