HC Deb 13 December 1984 vol 69 c574W
40. Ms. Clare Short

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what factors he attributes the difference in the growth in the number of jobs in the economy between 1974 to 1979 and 1979 to 1984.

Mr. Peter Rees

The difference in the growth in the number of jobs in the economy between 1974 to 1979 and 1979 to 1984 reflects a long overdue reduction in levels of overmanning in British industry, the depth of the world recession and excessive growth in real wages. The Government's policies have laid the foundation for a sustainable increase in employment. The employed labour force has in fact been rising since March 1983.