§ Q36. Mr. Wigleyasked the Prime Minister if she is satisfied with the effect of the Government's economic policies on employment.
§ The Prime MinisterThe current tragically high level of unemployment largely reflects the failure of previous Governments' policies to tackle the deep-seated problems of the economy. The Government have made it clear that these will not be solved overnight though considerable progress is already being made: inflation has fallen sharply and, over the past two years, underlying industrial productivity and competitiveness has improved. While unemployment remains high, however, the Government will continue to alleviate its effects on the worst afflicted groups through substantial spending on special employment schemes.