HC Deb 10 July 1997 vol 297 cc575-6W
Mr. Colvin

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what commitments he has made in respect of achieving full employment. [7319]

Mr. Andrew Smith

The Government's central economic objective is to achieve high and stable levels of growth and employment. This will be pursued by running a successful low inflation economy, with macro-economic stability as a platform for sustainable growth, and by enhancing skills and improving the operation of the labour market to open up job opportunities to all groups in society.

Mr. Colvin

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is his Department's definition of full employment. [7318]

Mr. Smith

The Department has no such definition. The Government's objective is to achieve high and stable levels of growth and employment, and a fair society in which everyone can share in higher living standards and greater job opportunities.