Employment and Training

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 4:25 pm on 12 February 1987.

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Photo of Kenneth Clarke Kenneth Clarke Paymaster General (HM Treasury), Secretary of State for Employment 4:25, 12 February 1987

We are about to start a serious debate on a serious subject during which, no doubt, we may discover what strings the hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull, East (Mr. Prescott) holds in his hierarchy on this subject.

The background to our debate on this important and serious matter was given a few moments ago by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, when she reminded us that for the past six months the trend in unemployment has been steadily downwards. Each month there have been good and improved employment and unemployment figures, and each month they have been a bitter blow to the Labour party. It is especially gratifying—I hope to the whole House—that the level of unemployment has been falling fastest in the north, the north-west, Wales and the west midlands—again, a setback for the Opposition.