§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is aware that due to the Government's policies there has been a rise of 500 staff in his Department at a cost of £550,000 to deal with matters connected with the rise in the numbers of the unemployed since last year; and what action he has taken, or intends taking to reduce these figures.
§ Mr. DeanI am aware of the additional staff costs in my Department due to the rise in numbers of the unemployed. We are naturally concerned about the rise in unemployment, the root cause of which has been the wage-cost inflation we inherited from the previous Administration. The hon. Member will be aware that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has taken massive action both in the Budget and on 19th July to stimulate demand and so create new employment.