Written question asked by David Shaw (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 12 February 1997. It was answered by Lord Clarke of Nottingham (Conservative) on Wednesday, 12 February 1997 on behalf of the Treasury.

Treasury

Question: What assessment he has made of the January rise in German unemployment on (a) progress towards European convergence and (b) United Kingdom growth prospects. - Inc figs. (Holding answer 11 February 1997).

Answer: Mr. David Shaw: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the January rise in German unemployment on (a) progress towards European convergence and (b) United Kingdom growth prospects. [15364] Mr. Kenneth Clarke: [holding answer 11 February 1997]: German claimant unemployment rose 510,000 to 4,658,000 in January 1997. On a seasonally adjusted basis, it rose 160,000 to 4,317,000. The Government take the view that it is unlikely, although not impossible, that there will be sufficient convergence for economic and monetary union to proceed safely on 1 January 1999. The UK recovery is broadly based and growth is forecast to continue to be faster than in our major European competitors.

Secondary information