HC Deb 27 March 1969 vol 780 cc1772-3
11. Mr. Ellis

asked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what is the basis of his estimate that there will be an increase in employment in the public sector during the period covered by "The Task Ahead".

The Under-Secretary of State for Economic Affairs (Mr. Alan Williams)

The bulk of the expected increase is in the health and education services and is due to the rising proportions of children and old people in the population and to the need to improve the quality of the services.

Mr. Ellis

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that the demand for these services is expected to rise, and is he prepared to review the figures in the light of an increase in public spending and not be put off by hon. Gentlemen opposite?

Mr. Williams

Yes, Sir. We naturally ignore the propaganda points from the Opposition, bearing in mind that our prior purpose is to look after the real needs of society, both the young and the old.

Sir Knox Cunningham

Is it the intention of the Government to maintain an average of half-a-million unemployed?

Mr. Williams

I do not see how that arises from this Question, but of course it is not our intention. Our intention is to return to full employment.