§ 48. Mr. Peter Bruinvelsasked the Paymaster General if he will make a statement on the employment opportunities available (a) in the city of Leicester and (b) within the constituency of Leicester, East.
§ Mr. TrippierThe Government's economic strategy is creating the enterprising economy necessary for the sustained growth needed to maintain rising employment. A variety of new and enhanced measures have been introduced this year to reduce unemployment throughout the country. An example in Leicester is that one of the Government's inner city task forces has been set up in the Highfields area to develop new approaches to job creation and enterprise for the benefit of residents. The task force also aims to achieve in the area it covers the maximum impact of existing Government programmes. However, the main impact on unemployment must come from employers and those who decide to work for themselves, through their drive towards competitiveness and increased flexibility. Greater moderation in wage settlements will also help to provide more jobs in Leicester and elsewhere.