§ Mr. Emeryasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action is being taken by Departments to reduce the level of unemployment; and what figure of unemployment it is now intended to maintain in order to carry out the Government's economic policy.
§ Mr. DiamondDepartments are acting variously to reduce unemployment by seeking to strengthen the balance of payments through assistance to export and import-saving industries and by promoting expansion in the Development Areas. As to the second part of the hon. Gentleman's Question, it is the Government's policy to maintain a high level of employment consistent with the overriding need to achieve a substantial balance of payments surplus as soon as possible.