HC Deb 28 February 2001 vol 363 cc704-5W
Dr. Gibson

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will set out, including statistical information relating as directly as possible to the constituency, the effect on the Norwich, North constituency of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [151144]

Mr. Caborn

The Department does not maintain statistical information at constituency level.

My hon. Friend's constituents, like many others throughout Norfolk, will have benefited from my Department's Employment Rights policies which include the National Minimum Wage, Working Time Directive, Part Time Working Regulations and improved Maternity Leave.

In a ddition, the wards of Catton Grove, Coslany, Crome, Mile Cross and Mousehold are eligible for the Enterprise Grant Scheme.

In the East of England region, my Department's policies have contributed to growth in employment by 62,000 and a fall in unemployment by 45,539; reductions in youth employment (under 24) by 46 per cent. and long-term unemployment (over 26 weeks) by 65 per cent.

In the constituency of Norwich, North there has been a drop in unemployment by 2.7 per cent. (964 people), a reduction in youth unemployment (under 24) by 46 per cent, in line with the region as a whole and a reduction in long term unemployment (over 26 weeks) by 44 per cent.