§ Phil SawfordTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the change has been in the level of unemployment in the Kettering constituency since May 1997. [81290]
§ Mr. Nicholas BrownOur policies have created a strong economy geared to delivering stability, low inflation and sound public finances. Alongside this, our labour market policies promote attachment to the job market, whatever the stage of the business cycle. In my hon. Friend's constituency, claimant unemployment has fallen by 40 per cent, since 1997 and long term unemployment has fallen by over 80 per cent.