§ Mr. GibbTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will set out the basis for revising the growth forecast for 2001–02; [58795]
(2) if he will set out the basis for revising upwards the growth forecast for 2000–01; [58794]
(3) if he will set out the basis for forecasting growth of 2½ per cent. in 2000. [58798]
§ Ms HewittFull details of the Treasury's new forecasts were set out in the Pre-Budget Report, published on 3 November.
§ Mr. GibbTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will assess the effect of his revised growth forecast on unemployment in 1999. [58796]
§ Ms HewittThe economy continues to expand and create new jobs. Employment has risen by 400,000 since the election and unemployment has fallen by 280,000. With regard to future employment prospects, the Government have been putting in place a wide range of measures to address structural problems in the labour market. The key is to ensure that people are well trained and able to adapt to the changing circumstances of a modern dynamic economy.