Budget Resolutions and Economic Situation

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 1:04 pm on 23 March 2004.

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Photo of David Willetts David Willetts Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 1:04, 23 March 2004

We have clear evidence that when lone parents are older and their children are of secondary school age, for them to go out to work is in the best interests of the children, as outcomes for them are better We know from the introduction of jobseeker's allowance that nothing beats a simple, clear requirement that people should actively seek work. The Government have skirted that issue ever since they took office, but we would address it directly with our reform. That is the difference, and it is an important one.

I turn to the main activity in which the Chancellor has been engaged in his Budget, and in which he has engaged again today—