HC Deb 03 May 1977 vol 931 cc155-6W
16. Mr. Hoyle

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is his forecast of employment prospects over the next 12 months.

Mr. Harold Walker

The output forecasts in the Budget report seem to suggest that employment will rise only marginally up to mid-1978, but the additional measures announced by the Chancellor in the Budget should improve these prospects.

30. Mr. Neubert

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is his latest estimate of unemployment prospects in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Golding

In the light of the economic prospects to mid-1978 published in the Budget report and of the likely continuing increase in the numbers of people seeking work, I see little likelihood of a sustained fall in unemployment over the next 12 months. Much depends on international trade on our success in bringing down the rate of inflation and of improving our share in world markets.