Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Peter Bone (Conservative). It was answered by Gordon Brown (Labour) on Thursday, 7 December 2006 on behalf of the Treasury.

Unemployment

Question: What steps he is taking to tackle unemployment; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: I announced yesterday new measures to help lone parents and the young unemployed into work. Since 1997, 900,000 lone parents have benefited from the new deal, and 122,000 disabled men and women have found jobs. We have helped 316,000 young people and 283,000 of the long-term unemployed, which is one reason why there are now 2.5 million more people in work than in 1997. The answer is not to abolish the new deal but to extend it into a new deal for jobs and skills.

Secondary information