asked the Minister for Industry and Energy the proposals, if any, the Government have to deal with the unprecendented unemployment crisis.
Written Answers. - Unemployment Crisis.
387.
I am aware of the seriousness of the latest unemployment figures. The Government are considering a wide range of measures to maintain existing employment and to create new employment opportunities in the context of their work on establishing the national economic plan.
In regard to the manufacturing industry and the international services sectors for which I have responsibility, the intensity of the international recession is reflected in reduced capacity on the part of established industry to maintain and increase employment and in the increased difficulty of attracting new internationally-mobile industrial and service projects. The Industrial Development Authority have intensified their efforts to deal with this situation.
My Department, in conjunction with the Industrial Development Authority, are currently preparing a strategic plan for the development of industry. In addition, I intend to publish a White Paper on industrial development by the end of the year. The White Paper will take account of the NESC review of industrial policy and will put forward detailed plans for industrial development up to 1990.