§ 34. Mr R. Carrasked the Minister of Labour what proposals he has for obtaining and making available up to date estimates of employment by industry and by region.
§ Mr. HattersleyRegional estimates of employees in June, 1966, analysed by industry were published in February, 1967. These annual estimates are based on those national insurance cards due for exchange in June. Owing to the delays in exchanging cards it is necessary to wait for six months before commencing tabulation. Proposals are under consideration for obtaining regional employment estimates more quickly from direct returns by employers. Such arrangements would require a substantial increase in the present sample of regular employment returns from employers.
§ Mr. CarrWill the right hon. Gentleman press on as hard as he can with the development which he has mentioned? 619 Does he not agree, in common with all who serve at the Ministry of Labour, that the sooner we concentrate more on employment rather than unemployment the better it will be? If we are to consider sophisticated economic policies, do we not need a more factual basis for them?
§ Mr. HattersleyThere is unanimity in the belief that employment statistics—indeed, all sorts of statistics—need improvement, and I am obliged to the hon. Member for his encouragement in the matter.