Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, for what reason the Government proposes in Clause 1 of the Welfare Reform and Work Bill that the full employment reporting obligation will be repealed at the dissolution of the present Parliament.

The duty to report on progress towards full employment demonstrates this Government’s commitment to full employment. The duty to report is a commitment by this Government over this Parliament, and it reflects the fact there is no intention to bind future governments to report on this issue.