HC Deb 21 March 1985 vol 75 c979
16. Mr. Fatchett

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the effect of his Budget proposals on the level of unemployment.

Mr. Lawson

The Budget proposals will substantially improve the prospects for jobs without taking any risks with inflation.

Mr. Fatchett

Will the Chancellor predict the extent to which unemployment will fall before he presents his next Budget to the House?

Mr. Lawson

It is most unwise to make predictions about the precise level of unemployment — [Interruption.]—because it depends on the behaviour of people — of trade unions, workers, employers and managers — throughout the economy. As the hon. Gentleman will know, the community programme enlargement alone will produce 100,000 more jobs.

Mr. Spencer

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in one youth training scheme in Leicester for clerical trainees the success rate is 77 per cent. and that in another scheme for catering trainees it is 80 per cent.? Does he agree that more youth training places mean more employment?

Mr. Lawson

My hon. Friend is right. The youth training scheme has been a conspicuous success. That is why we are proposing an extension of it, provided that employers are prepared to pay an adequate share of the bill, as I am sure they will be. Of course, nowhere has the youth training scheme been a greater success than in Leicester.