§ 31. Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has to alleviate the social problems surrounding unemployment in Renfrewshire and elsewhere in Scotland.
§ Mr. Allan StewartThe main responsibility for meeting the social welfare needs of an area rests with the social work authority which has a range of powers and facilities. The Government have provided for an increase for social work within aggregate external finance of 88 per cent. in real terms since 1979.
In addition, specific initiatives have been taken by my right hon. Friend in areas particularly affected by unemployment. For example, in Scotland's most deprived urban areas, the urban programme funds a wide variety of projects designed to reduce unemployment and its impact on local communities.
Moreover, Scottish Office-led partnership initiatives are implementing comprehensive economic, social and physical regeneration strategies in four disadvantaged peripheral housing estates, including Ferguslie park in Renfrew district. Emphasis has been placed on reducing the high levels of unemployment in these areas, particularly through the use of training courses tailored to the needs of local residents and offering sound prospects of employment on completion.
The most important contribution which can be made in areas affected by unemployment is the creation and attraction of new jobs and improving employment prospects for people living in the area. This is primarily a matter for the local enterprise company network. Renfrewshire Enterprise has a broad and flexible range of training and economic development powers and functions, and a budget this year of almost £24 million, to devote to its task. A number of schemes and projects are under way in the area to provide training for employment and create jobs.