§ 13. Mr. Ashleyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what measures he now intends to take to help the long-term unemployed.
§ Mr. HigginsOur policies for faster and sustained growth over a number of years, the new incentives for industrial development in the regions of high unemployment—where the numbers of long-term unemployed are greatest—and the major reorganisation of training facilities are all designed to reduce the duration as well as the level of unemployment.
§ Mr. AshleyThose words were fine, but can the hon. Gentleman guarantee that the actions will significantly reduce the number of 250,000 men who have now been unemployed for longer than six months and have lost their earnings-related benefit? Is he prepared to recommend that the earnings-related benefits should be paid to men who are unemployed for 12 months and that unemployment benefit should be paid to men who are unemployed for two years?
§ Mr. HigginsConcerning whether it is a question of words or actions, my right hon. Friend's Budget Statement last week included a substantial number of actions 218 designed to help with the problem to which the hon. Gentleman understandably and rightly draws attention.
The second part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services who has indicated that we are not yet in a position to make a statement.
§ Mr. CrowderWill my hon. Friend tell the House how much it costs to employ a man in terms of S.E.T. and national insurance stamp before so much as a penny is paid in wages? Does he agree that the premium is one of the main causes of our unemployment problem today?
§ Mr. HigginsI cannot give my hon. and learned Friend a specific answer without notice. If he cares to put down a Question I will seek to answer it.
My hon. and learned Friend knows the position concerning S.E.T.