Mr Major’s Written Parliamentary Answer on Employment – 6 July 1989

Below is the text of Mr Major’s written Parliamentary Answer on Employment on 6th July 1989.

Mr. Watts To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the total increase in employment in the United Kingdom economy and in each of the other major European countries since 1983.

Mr. Day To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the total increase in employment in the United Kingdom economy and in each of the other major European countries since 1983.

Mr. Norris To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the total increase in employment in the United Kingdom economy and in each of the other major European countries since 1983.

Mr. Major The information is as follows:

Growth in Total Employment 1983–88

Percentage growth | 000s
United Kingdom 11.0 2,589
Germany 3.2 820
France -0.2 -50
Italy 4.2 930
Spain 5.5 620
Netherlands 5.6 250
Belgium 3.6 130

Source: Department of Employment for United Kingdom (figures are for increase between June 1983 and June 1988). Other countries’ figures calculated from estimates of growth in employment given in June 1989 OECD Economic Outlook (estimates rounded to nearest 10,000).

Mr. Riddick To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the effect on public expenditure of the fall in the level of unemployment over the last two and half years; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Major As a result of the fall in unemployment between January 1987 and May 1989, public expenditure on benefits for the unemployed has been approximately £2.75 billion lower than it would otherwise have been over this period.