§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the increase in(a) population and (b) unemployment in the borough of Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim, in the last three years; and what consideration he has given to the establishment of a job club in Carrickfergus.
§ Mr. NeedhamMid-year population estimates for June 1990, the latest available, for the Carrickfergus district council area show an increase of 1,700 in the population over the three-year period from 30 June 1987. Over the same period unemployment in the area decreased by 630.
Between October 1988 and October 1991 unemployment fell by 275.
In considering locations for job clubs the Training and Employment Agency takes into account the relative numbers of long-term unemployed in the area and the availability of other job clubs within a reasonable travelling distance. It is not proposed to establish a job club in Carrickfergus.