§ 24. Mr. Tim Rentonasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he is satisfied that unemployment in the United Kingdom will fall during 1978 as a result of the published details of the Government's industrial strategy.
§ Mr. John GrantNo estimates of the overall effects on employment of the industrial strategy have yet been produced or published. Sector working parties are considering the employment implications in their own sectors, and a report will be made to the National Economic Development Council shortly.
§ Mr. RentonMy Question referred specifically to published details of the Government's industrial strategy, not to vague aspirations for the future. Will the Minister tell us precisely what aspect of the Government's industrial strategy in the past year has led to specific job creation?
§ Mr. GrantI do not think I can answer the Question in those terms. None the less, I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman—I hope that his view is shared by other Opposition Members—for pointing out that we require a more planned economy.