§ 14. Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the latest figures for unemployment, both nationally and regionally; and what were the comparable figures for 1979.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkOn 10 December 1983 the number of unemployed claimants in the United Kingdom was 3,084,416. The corresponding estimated number for November 1979 was 1,258,700. I will, with permission, circulate the regional figures in the Official Report.
§ Mr. SkinnerNow that the mini pre-election boom is over, does the Minister accept that cuts in housing benefits and other factors will produce the prospect of unemployment rising again in 1984? Why is it that he and his colleagues can claim credit for a tiny decrease in unemployment but when unemployment rises, as it undoubtedly will next year, they are able to blame the increase on lack of competitiveness, trade unions and anyone bar themselves?
§ Mr. ClarkThe hon. Gentleman sets his opinion against that of other experts. The latest indicators suggest that unemployment is levelling out. The hon. Gentleman knows that vacancies at jobcentres have doubled. He knows also that unemployment is not a uniquely national characteristic. There are over 20 million unemployed in OECD countries. The only route to full employment is full order books, and the Government's policies are directed to achieving that end.
§ Following is the information:
| Unemployed claimants (including school leavers and not seasonally adjusted) | ||
| November 1979 (Estimates) | November 1983 | |
| South-East | 243,200 | 725,382 |
| East Anglia | 29,000 | 75,588 |
| South-West | 88,600 | 189,961 |
| West Midlands | 119,700 | 343,587 |
| East Midlands | 68,400 | 183,625 |
| Yorkshire and Humberside | 110,900 | 283,357 |
| North-West | 182,800 | 436,743 |
| North | 111,900 | 224,749 |
| Wales | 78,300 | 168,456 |
| Scotland | 166,700 | 333,220 |
| Great Britain | 1,199,100 | 2,964,668 |
| Northern Ireland | 59,700 | 119,748 |
| United Kingdom | 1,258,700 | 3,084,416 |