Last week, when Gordon Brown published his Comprehensive Spending Review 2000 for Government expenditure in the next three financial years, it was pleasing to hear him report that, in those three years, unemployment, social security, and debt interest will account for only 17pc of all public spending. Contrast that with the figure of 43pc for the period 1979 to 1997 under the Tories! That is the reason that the Labour Government are now able to increase public expenditure again.

Labour has created economic conditions such that one million more people are in work today than when the Tories left office in 1997, and social security pay-outs are the lowest for 20 years. Increased public expenditure means that even more jobs can be created.

Our priorities will be education, health, transport, housing, and law and order. In Westminster I have spent hours in meetings arguing the case for increased expenditure on housing, and it was pleasing to hear the Chancellor announce that expenditure on housing will increase by an average of 12pc in each of the years covered by the Comprehensive Spending Review (2001-2004).

During this period the NHS will enjoy the longest period of sustained growth in its history, 6.1pc growth above inflation, double the rate under the Tories. The average growth in the education budget under the Tories was 1.5pc per annum. Under Labour it will be 5.4pc above inflation during these three years.

We have always said that it will take two terms of office for the Labour Government to reverse the devastation that 18 years of Tory misrule had on the UK economy.

For details of my Advice Surgeries and to seek help and advice please ring Karen on 371202. If the line is busy, as it often is, please leave your telephone number and we will call you back. Parliament rises for the Summer Recess on July 28 and will return on October 23, but throughout the Summer we will continue to help people as usual.