Business of the House

Laura Sandys Excerpts

Thursday 4th November 2010 Commons Chamber

[Sir George Young]

I remind the hon. Gentleman of what the Office for Budget Responsibility has said on the matter. It expects whole economy employment to rise during every year of its forecast, from 28.89 million people in 2010-11 to 30.23 million in 2015-16. Employment has also risen very sharply in recent months. In the three months to July 2010, total employment rose by 286,000, and while public sector employment, to which he refers, fell by 22,000 in the second quarter, private sector employment rose by 308,000. That puts the issue in perspective.

[Laura Sandys (South Thanet) (Con)]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I assume that the hon. Lady was here at the start of the business statement?

[Laura Sandys]

indicated dissent.

[Mr Speaker]

No. Okay, we move on.