§ Mr. MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is his assessment of the minimum rate of unemployment for adult men consistent with full employment at a high and sustainable rate of growth. [2282]
§ Mr. Andrew Smith[pursuant to his reply, 16 June 1997, c.48]: It may clarify the position further if I advise that the government has placed no such minimum figure on the rate of unemployment for adult males. Our aim is a high and stable level of employment, to be achieved 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—men and women, young and old.