HC Deb 15 May 1987 vol 116 c442W
Mr. Cartwright

asked the Paymaster General what is his estimate of new jobs created in the economy in each year from 1979 to 1986, divided between (i) full-time jobs, (ii) part-time jobs and (iii) self-employed people.

Employed labour force in Great Britain (adjusted seasonal variations)
Difference between June of each year Full-time Part-time Of which all self-employed
1979–1980 -209,000 148,000 108,000
1980–1981 -870,000 -82,000 108,000
1981–1982 -435,000 10,000 51,000
1982–1983 -317,000 27,000 51,000
1983–1984 237,000 216,000 275,000
1984–1985 224,000 163,000 116,000
1985–1986 -50,000 157,000 15,000
1986 (June)–1986 (December) 61,000 80,000 52,000

Since 1983 the total employed labour force has grown by 1,130,000 with increases in full-time and part-time employment and self-employment.

Mr. Thurnham

asked the Paymaster General how many new jobs have been created in Bolton as a result of Government measures (a) since 1979 and (b) since 1983; and if he will break this down between (i) the enterprise allowance scheme, (ii) help to local enterprise agencies, (iii) the community programme, (iv) regional grants and (v) other measures.

Mr. Lee

It is not possible to give the information in the form requested. Since May 1979 Department of Trade and Industry selective assistance in the Bolton and Bury travel-to-work area will support the creation of about 2,200 new jobs and help safeguard about a further 2,100 if the prospects go ahead as planned; since 1983 the corresponding figures are 1,200 new jobs and 880 safeguarded.

The number of participants on the community programme and enterprise allowance scheme in the Manchester north-west area since 1983 were 17,682 and 3,113 respectively. Participant figures for the community programme and enterprise allowance scheme are not available prior to 1983. The local enterprise agency, Bolton Business Venture, which last year received £20,000 support under the Government's local enterprise agency grant scheme, reported in 1986 that since its inception in 1983 it has given advice to some 2,000 people and had helped in the creation of over 700 jobs.

We shall continue to pursue sound economic policies for steady growth and low inflation which have so far produced more than a million new jobs since 1983.