Employment

HC Deb 27 April 1971 vol 816 cc64-5W

Mr. Carter

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the progress of his policies designed to stimulate employment.

Mr. Barber

The growth in unemployment was one of the factors I took into consideration in deciding in the Budget to stimulate output over the coming year. But among the principal causes of the present unemployment is cost inflation and I cannot promise that unemployment will fall until we get a substantial reduction in the level of pay settlements.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the present unemployment figure, he will state what action he has taken since 17th April, 1971, or intends taking to improve the employment situation and reduce the present unemployed figure.

Mr. Barber

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Northfield (Mr. Carter).