Prime Minister's question asked in the House of Commons, by Mark Hendrick (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 30 November 2005 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Engagements

Question: Since 1997 in Preston, the number of people claiming jobseeker's allowance has reduced to 1,400. Long-term unemployment is down by 81 per cent. and youth unemployment is down by 43 per cent. May I say to my right hon. Friend that Labour is working, so why should anyone bother voting for another party, even if it has a new leader?

Answer: My hon. Friend is of course right that the numbers who are unemployed are down and the numbers who are employed are up. The most important thing—apart from the effect on people's livelihoods, living standards and prospects for success in life—is the fact that as a result of the reduction in unemployment and increases in employment, we are spending about £5 billion a year less on benefits. That is why part of the welfare reform that the Government have managed to put through is getting people off benefit and into work, and it is why the new deal should, of course, remain.

Secondary information