HC Deb 01 April 2004 vol 419 c1679W
16. Mr. Kevan Jones

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on progress with his aim to achieve full employment in the north-east. [164996]

Mr. Boateng

Employment has risen in every region since 1997, and in the north-east the employment rate now stands at 69.6 per cent.