Debate on the Address — [First Day]

Part of Outlawries Bill – in the House of Commons at 7:38 pm on 6 November 2007.

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Photo of Andrew MacKinlay Andrew MacKinlay Labour, Thurrock 7:38, 6 November 2007

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for giving way, because I want to put a question to him that has been ignored by those on both the Opposition and the Government Front Benches. If we reduce immigration, how do we select the jobs that will not be filled? The fact is that the labour market is absorbing immigrants. It is time that people were reminded that it is in the United Kingdom's best interests, particularly in reducing wage inflation, to meet the demands of the labour market. Who is going to pick the fruit in East Anglia, for instance? The hon. Gentleman and those on both Front Benches need to start answering that question.