HC Deb 21 December 1982 vol 34 cc438-9W
26. Mr. Ralph Howell

asked the Secretary of State for Employment, pursuant to his answer of 23 November, Official Report, c. 698, whether any study has been made by him of the Swiss system for employment and unemployment support.

Mr. Waddington

No specific study of the Swiss system has been made but the Government constantly monitor conditions in other countries and are always ready to learn lessons from their experience in trying to combat unemployment.

34. Mr. Home Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the latest available figure for the proportion of unemployment in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development member countries which is attributable to the United Kingdom; and what is the comparable figure for May 1979.

Mr. Alison

Information provided by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development suggests that in May 1982 the proportion of OECD unemployment attributable to the United Kingdom was about 10 per cent. compared with about 7 per cent. in May 1979. As these proportions are based on national figures, which are not directly comparable owing to differences in coverage and concepts, they must be regarded as approximate.