Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Oral Answers to Questions

Debbie Abrahams Excerpts
Tuesday 11th March 2014

(10 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Danny Alexander Portrait Danny Alexander
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The most recent set of figures for the quarter show that long-term unemployment has come down, including in the right hon. Gentleman’s constituency. I note, too, that the shadow housing Minister’s flagship programme to build more houses has been cut away by the shadow Chancellor, or is that yet another way they plan to spend their mythical bonus tax?

Debbie Abrahams Portrait Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) (Lab)
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Will the Chief Secretary confirm that the employment rate is actually below pre-recession levels?

Danny Alexander Portrait Danny Alexander
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The employment rate, the number of people in employment, is higher than it has ever been. The employment rate is getting near to its record high again.