HC Deb 05 December 1972 vol 847 cc367-8W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether his attention has been drawn to the official report from the European Economic Community pointing out the increase in the unemployed figures in Germany, Italy and France and the expected continuance of increased unemployment in each of the countries of the European Economic Community; and on this basis to what extent he estimates this will affect Great Britain in 1973 when the free movement of labour becomes operative.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

I am aware that unemployment has increased in member States of the European Economic Community between corresponding dates in 1971 and 1972. I do not anticipate however that this increase will give rise to any appreciable change in the number of people seeking either to enter or leave this country for employment in 1973.