asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will make a statement. in the light of the pamphlet "London Employment Forum" and the seminars organised for London Members of Parliament on economic problems facing London, March 1978; and what action he has taken, or intends taking, in connection with it.
This document draws attention to the long-term decline of employment in London and concentrations of unemployment in certain areas and amongst specific groups. The Government are very concerned with the unemployment problems of London, and through their inner city policy are actively supporting the economic regeneration of inner areas. In addition, my Department's special employment measures have so far aided over 31,700 people in the Greater London area, the introduction of the youth opportunities programme and the special temporary employment programme will further develop those measures, as will the extension of the small firms employment subsidy to the partnership areas of inner London.