HC Deb 26 March 1986 vol 94 cc503-4W
21. Mr. MacKenzie

asked the Seretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the current level of unemployment in Scotland.

Mr. Rifkind

On 6 February 1986 the number of unemployed claimants in Scotland was 367,198–3,919 fewer than in the previous month. This gives room for encouragement but none for complacency, since the seasonally adjusted figures were virtually unchanged. Continued high unemployment remains a major problem; but the Government's economic strategy is the only sensible means of creating the steady growth on which improved employment prospects for the people of Scotland depend.

22. Mr. Foulkes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he is taking to reduce unemployment in Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley.

Mr. Allan Stewart

In addition to the measures which the Government are taking generally to combat unemployment and encourage the creation of new jobs, action is being taken in Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley by the Manpower Services Commission and other agencies. The Scottish Development Agency is active in support for the local enterprise trust (CADET), in environmental and land engineering projects, and in factory building. NCB (Enterprise) Ltd. supports the enterprise trust and gives financial assistance for business projects, the conversion of premises and other measures. The Scottish Development Agency and NCB (Enterprise) Ltd. jointly commissioned last year a review of the local economy with a view to developing a further programme of action for the area. The review will be completed shortly.

29. Mr. Lambie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for alleviating unemployment in Ayrshire.

Mr. Rifkind

The best means of improving employment prospects in Ayrshire, as elsewhere in Great Britain, lies in the Government's economic strategy of keeping inflation down, offering real incentive for enterprise and restoring competitiveness to industry. The full range of the Manpower Services Commission's special employment and training measures is available in Ayrshire on a continuing basis. In addition, Scotland's first enterprise trust, launched in 1981 (the Ardrossan, Saltcoats, Stevenston enterprise trust, known as ASSET) has helped over 250 companies and created well over 1,000 jobs and training places in the area.