To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to eliminate long-term unemployment in Clwyd; and if he will make a statement.

The number of long-term unemployed people in Clwyd has fallen in each quarter since January 1986. At April 1988 there were 6,358 long-term unemployed people in Clwyd, 3,770 less than in January 1986.The reduction reflects the Government's comprehensive range of measures to help long-term unemployed people find jobs. In particular, employment training, which begins in September 1988, will offer a flexible training programme designed to meet individual needs, and is specifically aimed to give longer-term unemployed people the skills they need to get and keep jobs.