§ Mr. Wilkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will give the current unemployment figures for Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeThe total unemployed register for November shows a decrease over last month of 900 to 37,102 or 7.2 per cent. of insured employees, and a decrease of 6,677 compared with 12 months ago. Although the wholly unemployed figure of 35,304 for November is 414 more than in October, it is 5,930 fewer than November, 1971. The seasonally adjusted figures also show a decline, and are 500 less than in October and 6,200 less than a year ago. While the unemployment total is still too high, the steady downward trend recently not only reflects the resilience of the Northern Ireland economy in very difficult conditions but also suggests that the economy is responding to the special Government measures introduced in recent months.