§ Mr. Mallonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people over the age of 40 years in Northern Ireland have not been engaged in full-time employment in the past five years.
§ Mr. ViggersI shall reply to the hon. Gentleman as soon as possible.
§ Mr. Mallonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people under the age of 24 years in Northern Ireland have never been engaged in full-time employment other than on youth training and associated schemes.
§ Mr. ViggersThe information is not readily available in the form requested. However at 9 October 1986 there were 11,117 young persons aged under 25 claiming benefit who had never been in employment since leaving full-time education; but this figure excludes any claimants who, when claiming benefit, stated that they had been at some time in employment, even if that was through a youth training or associated scheme. In addition, at the end of September 13,950 young persons were participating in the youth training programme, though some of these may have been in employment prior to joining the programme.
§ Mr. Mallonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps the Government are taking to reduce the level of unemployment in the constituency of Newry and Armagh.
§ Mr. ViggersThe Government, through the Industrial Development Board and Local Enterprise Development Unit, will continue to apply resources to the Newry and Armagh area as elsewhere throughout Northern Ireland to encourage the establishment of new industry and the growth of existing businesses, with the aim of securing viable enterprises and stable long-term jobs. A comprehensive range of employment and training measures is also available for both adults and young people.