§ 19. Mr. GrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the current level of poverty in Great Britain. [145977]
§ Mr. BayleyOur assessment of current levels of poverty is set out in our second annual "Opportunity for All" report, alongside the progress we are making. For example, there are now a million more people in jobs than in 1997.
Unemployment in Wiltshire has fallen by over 50 per cent. since May 1997 and long-term youth unemployment (six months plus) has fallen by over 80 per cent.
§ 23. Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of poverty, low pay and other indices of deprivation in the eastern region; and if he will make a statement. [145982]
§ Mr. BayleyThe national strategy to tackle poverty and social exclusion is outlined in the first and second "Opportunity for All" reports. A central part of that strategy is to focus in on communities and areas that require particular help.