Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Mark Field (Conservative). It was answered on Thursday, 18 October 2007 on behalf of the Treasury.

Education and Training

Question: I know that the Minister makes great play of the success of the new deal, but does she not recognise the importance of skills that people in their 20s and 30s can take forward? Does she not agree that one of the biggest social concerns here in the capital city is that while literally hundreds of thousands of people come from eastern Europe to take on relatively unskilled jobs, we have the highest level of unemployment— 8.5 per cent.—of any region in the UK?

Answer: To drive down rates of unemployment, it is important that we give our young people and young adults the education, training and access to opportunities that they need in a modern economy. I am surprised that the hon. Gentleman did not welcome the fact that we have created 2.6 million extra jobs, and that levels of employment are the highest seen in the economy for many years. I would have expected him to at least acknowledge the Government's success in terms of employment.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 464 c946-7
Session: 2006-07
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Education Training Young people Unemployment School leaving Apprentices Adult education Economic growth Skilled workers
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk