London and the South-East

HC Deb 30 June 1981 vol 7 cc346-7W

22. Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the level of unemployment in London and the South-East.

Mr. Peter Morrison

A reduction in unemployment in London and the South-East, as in the country as a whole, will depend largely on the ability of firms to produce goods which people in this country and abroad want to buy. The Government's policies aim to produce the conditions which will help our firms become competitive and so enable them to create the jobs we all want to see.

It is estimated that more than 2 million people found jobs in London and the South-East during the last 12 months.