Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Barnett (Labour). It was answered by Lord Sassoon (Conservative) on Thursday, 27 October 2011.

Economy: Inflation and Unemployment

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of the most recently published figures, what plans HM Treasury has to reduce inflation and unemployment. My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name—rather than the previous Question—on the Order Paper.

Answer: My Lords, the Government’s economic policy objective is to achieve strong, sustainable and balanced growth. Budget 2011 reaffirmed the independent Monetary Policy Committee’s remit to target 2 per cent inflation, as defined by the 12-month increase in the consumer prices index. The Government have introduced a range of measures to reduce unemployment and support the unemployed into work, including get Britain working, the work programme and modernisation of Jobcentre Plus.

Secondary information