To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his estimate is of the (a) public expenditure consequences and (b) economic effects of measures introduced to increase employment in Darlington since 1997. (174885)

The number of people on the key out of work benefits in Darlington has fallen by 21.5 per cent. since 1997, and the employment rate has risen by 3.8 per cent. over the same period. At a national level, the Government now spend £5 billion a year less on unemployment benefits than in 1996-97. The success of the new deal has contributed to this saving, and the National Audit Office estimates that national income has grown by between £216 million and £360 million as a result of the new deal.