§ Mr. Kershawasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the total membership of trade unions in the United Kingdom; and what is the total membership of trade unions affiliated to the Trades Union Congress.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerIt is estimated that, at the end of 1977, the period to which the latest figures relate, the total membership of trade unions in the United Kingdom—i.e. excluding members in branches outside the United Kingdom—was 12,601,000. At the same time, the total membership of trade unions affiliated to the TUC was 11,865,000.
§ Mr. Kershawasked the Secretary of State for Employment what proportion of the total workforce of the United Kingdom is the membership of trade unions.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerIt is estimated that, at the end of 1977, the period to which the latest figures relate, the pro-
800Wemployment in the United Kingdom, France, West Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States of America and Canada, according to (a) the adjusted unemployment rates available from Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development sources, and (b) the adjusted unemployment rates based on United States definitions.
§ Mr. GoldingThe latest percentage figures for unemployment on the bases requested are given below. Although each set of estimates is designed to be comparable within itself, the figures should be regarded as only approximate indicators of unemployment.
portion of the total work force of the United Kingdom—that is, employees in employment, employers and self-employed persons, Her Majesty's Forces and registered unemployed—in membership of trade unions was 47.7 per cent.