§ 78. Mr. Dribergasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what level of unemployment, and for how long a period, will be accepted by Her Majesty's Government; and what increases of unemployment in the development areas and in the rest of the country, respectively, he expects to achieve by means of the deflationary measures imposed by Her Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. DiamondOn the level of unemployment, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by the Prime Minister on 20th July to a Question put by the hon. Member for Ormskirk (Sir D. Glover), following the statement on the Economic Measures. As to the duration of unemployment, it is the Government's policy to restore the balance of payments. Estimates cannot be given of unemployment in different areas, but the Government's policy is to reduce regional disparities.
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Mr. Corlieldasked the Prime Minister to what extent he estimates that the Government's new economic measures specifically aimed at reduction of domestic demand will result in unemployment whether of a short- or long-term nature.
§ Mr. DiamondI have been asked to reply.
I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given by the Prime Minister on 20th July to a Question put by the hon. Member for Ormskirk (Sir D. Glover), following the statement on the economic measures.