§ Mr. Kenneth Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for Industry how many sector working parties which have so far reported anticipate an increase in the total numbers employed in their industrial sectors between now and 1980; how many expect a decrease; and what is the overall effect of their combined estimates of the level of employment in this period.
§ Mr. GoldingI have been asked to reply.
Not all sector working parties have attempted to make employment forecasts. Those which have done so have adopted time periods which vary too much to provide a basis for reliable information in the form requested for individual sectors. Overall, their forecasts imply little if any change between 1975 and 1980, but the achievement of their market share objectives could give some direct increase in employment from now on The indirect effects of this achievement would be much more substantial.