HC Deb 17 September 2004 vol 424 c1788W
Keith Vaz

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the(a) British and (b) European strategy is for combining economic growth while retaining the priority on social inclusion. [189562]

Mr. Timms

The Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report provides an overview of the Government's policies to promote economic growth and social inclusion.

The Government's approach combines flexibility and fairness, recognising that promoting employment opportunities is central to both economic growth and social inclusion. At the European level, the Lisbon Strategy sets ambitious targets for achieving both economic growth and social inclusion, focussing particularly on employment. The European employment guidelines establish three overarching objectives for Member State action to promote full employment, improve quality and productivity at work, and strengthen social cohesion and inclusion.