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This paper discusses the merits and demerits of public works programmes in general as well as in the specific context of South Africa. Insofar as the latter is concerned the paper recommends basic guidelines that may be regarded as prerequisites for the implementation of such a programme in this country. With regard to the proposed guidelines, the South African Government's 1985 unemployment relief package is examined critically.In conclusion, the paper favours the introduction of a well-conceived and adequately scaled programme of public works as a powerful means of combating unemployment and alleviating widespread poverty in the country.

One important aspect of current government economic thinking is that of inward industrialisation. In turn, subcontracting is seen as one of the ways of promoting inward industrialisation. Further, the construction and provision of low-cost housing is considered by many to be the most important leading sector in generating economic growth.This paper examines the construction undustry for low cost housing tn the Western Cape, the position which subcontracting currently holds in this industry and the broader implications for inward industrialisation.The paper is based on the results of a survey carried out in the Western Cape during 1989. The results of the survey suggest the promotion of subcontracting has some positive and some negative consequences for economic development through inward industrialisation. Some doubts are however cast on the ability of the building industry to act as a 'leading sector' tn the process of economic development

The relationship between unemployment and parasuicide was examined amongst males and females in the City of Leeds between 1978 and 1982. The association between unemployment and parasuicide was found to be positive and significant in middle aged men. However, there was a negative and significant relationship between unemployment and parasuicide in older men aged between 55 and 59 years. For females between the ages of 20 and 25 years there was a significant negative relation ship between unemployment and parasuicide. The findings which are discussed are considered to provide evidence for the hypothesis that unemployment may exert a differing vulnerability effect on proneness to parasuicide in different age groups and between the two sexes.

A randomized double blind group comparison study of sulpiride and amitriptyline was carried out in 36 patients suffering from major depressive disorder (DSM III critieria). Sulpiride showed equivalent antidepressant activity to amitriptyline at 4, 6 and 12 weeks, using the Hamilton Rating Scale (HRS) and the Wakefield Self-Rating Scale for depression (WRS). However, at 24 weeks the antidepressant activity of amitriptyline was just statistically significantly better than that of sulpiride. Timing of onset of action was comparable in both drugs. The anxiolytic activity of sulpiride was equivalent to that of amitriptyline at 4, 6, 12 and 24 weeks using the Salkind Manifest Anxiety Inventory as a measure.