§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what initiatives he is taking to tackle(a) short-term and (b) long-term unemployment in Wales.
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§ Mr. David HuntThe Government now offer a more comprehensive range of programmes than ever to help all unemployed people back to work. In July last year we announced a substantial package of measures to complement the existing programmes provided by the Employment Service and the training and enterprise councils. It includes expert advice and help in looking for a job, and for the long-term unemployed extra training provision and the new work experience programme, employment action.
In addition my Department, the Welsh Development Agency and other Government agencies also operate a wide range of other measures aimed at stimulating economic development in Wales. The Welsh Office and all the other relevant bodies will continue to look for, and respond swiftly to, development opportunities that arise which have the potential to reduce unemployment.