HL Deb 30 March 1983 vol 440 cc1636-8WA
Lord Brockway

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their response to the recommendations of the conference representing fifteen European countries held in Paris, on 18th–20th March, initiated by the International Political, Social and Economic Forum, to consider a European alternative to monetarist economic policies in order to limit the extent of unemployment.

Lord Cockfield

The policies to stimulate demand through higher public spending recommended by the International Political, Social and Economic Forum have been tried before and have failed. This Government and the governments of other major industrial countries have agreed instead that prudent medium term monetary and fiscal policies are necessary to sustain the progress made against inflation and to create the conditions for a resumption of sustainable economic growth. These policies should lay the basis for a lasting reduction in unemployment.