HC Deb 14 February 1980 vol 978 c772W
Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is his estimate of the natural rate of unemployment as a percentage of the total working population for January.

Mr. Jim Lester

Estimates of the "natural" rate of unemployment are extremely uncertain. It is not possible to provide a meaningful indication of such a rate.

Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for Employment when he expects to make available the 1977 and 1978 census of employment information; whether investigation of the 1977 figures is complete; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Jim Lester

I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.