asked the Secretary of State for Employment, pursuant to the reply by the Under-Secretary of State on 9 July, what are the main reasons for the reduction in the number of persons employed in the Common Market over the past 10 years; and if he will make a statement.

Jobs were lost in the Community mainly because of a decline in competitiveness, due partly to excessive increases in labour costs and labour market rigidities. Completion of the internal market, moderation in wage rises and the achievement of greater labour market flexibility would lead to growth in the number of jobs.