§ Mr. Humeasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the current level of unemployment in Strabane; and what measures he proposes to take to seek to reduce it.
§ Dr. Boyson[pursuant to his reply, 12 July 1985]: The number of unemployed claimants in the Strabane district council area on 13 June 1985 was 3,871, giving an unemployment rate of 39.1 per cent. for the area.
The Government, through the Industrial Development Board and Local Enterprise Development Unit, will continue to direct resources to encourage the establishment of new industry, and to develop further those companies already in business so as to secure viable enterprises and long-term jobs. In recognition of the persistent severity of the unemployment problem in Strabane, the area has for some time now been able to offer the investor the highest rate of support available in the United Kingdom. The Department of Economic Development also provides a range of employment and training opportunities for both adults and young people. At present over 800 such places are available in the Strabane area.