§ 26. Mr. Dykesasked the Secretary of State for Employment when he next intends to meet his opposite numbers in the EEC at a Council of Employment Ministers meeting.
§ Mr. John GrantThe next meeting of the Council of Ministers—Social Affairs—is forecast for 24th April. I expect to represent my right hon. Friend.
158WEaling, North (Mr. Molloy) and Hazel Grove (Mr. Arnold).
§ 34. Mr. Anthony Grantasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the increase in unemployment in the special development areas, development areas, intermediate areas, and non-assisted areas, respectively, since 1973 to the latest convenient date; and if he will express this as a percentage of the working population as a whole.
§ Mr. GoldingThe following table gives the numbers registered as unemployed and the unemployment rates for the assisted areas at January 1973 and January 1978.
§ Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Employment what was the number unemployed as a percentage of the total labour force in the United Kingdom on average over the period of 1970 to 1974, and for 1975, 1976, and 1977; and what were the comparable figures for each member state of the EEC.
§ Mr. GoldingFollowing is the comparable information adjusted to United States concepts: