§ 20. Mr. Adleyasked the Paymaster General what further steps he is taking to encourage the creation of employment in areas of high unemployment.
§ Mr. LangThe country as a whole is benefiting from the Government's policies to stimulate enterprise and encourage job creation. Severe problems remain in some areas and these problems are being addressed through our regional industrial policy and other locally targeted measures, including our inner city initiatives. We are also tackling unemployment as it affects individuals through a wide range of measures detailed in our booklet "Action for Jobs", a copy of which is available in the Library.
§ 21. Mr. Meadowcroftasked the Paymaster General what funds have been received in the past 12 months from European Community funds to assist in creating new employment opportunities; and how these moneys have been disbursed.
§ Mr. LangDuring the calendar year 1985 new allocations totalling some £65.5 million were approved under the European social fund (ESF) for projects in the United Kingdom specifically related to employment creation. In addition, a further £238.5 million was approved under the social fund for other, mainly training, projects in the United Kingdom which will also help to create new employment opportunities. ESF funds are paid to the sponsors of the particular projects for which assistance is sought. Apart from social fund support, the United Kingdom also received considerable assistance under the European regional development fund (ERDF) towards projects which will increase overall employment opportunities.