HL Deb 27 January 1999 vol 596 cc155-6WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the reduction of differentials within the United Kingdom economy, and globally, is among their policies. [HL543]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

The Government's central economic objective is high and stable levels of economic growth and employment. To achieve this we need a fairer society in which everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Equal opportunity and economic prosperity go hand in hand. The Government's policies will ensure that everyone has access to economic opportunity by helping people move from welfare to work, making work pay and investing in skills.

Internationally, the Chancellor has pressed for a set of principles of good practice to ensure that everyone can share and contribute to rising economic growth and prosperity. The World Bank is taking this work forward in consultation with other international organisations.