§ Mr. Alexander W. Lyonasked the Secretary of State for Employment what was the Manpower Service Commission's estimate of future unemployment before the Budget; and what adjustment has been made in its estimate since the Budget.
§ Mr. Jim LesterThe Manpower Services Commission is not responsible for estimating or forecasting future unemployment. It does, however, have to take a view of future labour market developments in the context of its strategic planning. The Commission's planning timetable has been delayed by the Budget and the proposed staff and expenditure cuts, and the Commission has not yet adopted a planning assumption on the future employment situation.