The latest figures, to the end of December 2000, show that 81,311 lone parents and at least 274,230 young people aged 18 to 24 have found work through the new deal. It is the combined effect of the strong, stable economy, the new deal and the efforts of hundreds of thousands of unemployed people that has enabled us to announce yesterday that we have reached a milestone. For the first time in 25 years, claimant unemployment has fallen below 1 million. Hundreds of people in my constituency have benefited from the new deal, and tell me that it has transformed their lives. Does my hon.
Friend is absolutely right.
The Government offer the prospect of a better, strengthened new deal that gives opportunity for long-term unemployed people. The Opposition offer no deal. The Chairman of Ways and Means has named opposed private business for consideration at 4 o'clock.