§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales how many, and what percentage of the total unemployed in Wales, have been out of work for a year and two years, respectively; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsThe latest available figures relate to October 1982 when 68,364 or 36.9 per cent. and 30,325 or 16.4 per cent. were out of work for over one year and over 2 years respectively.
The Government have endorsed a substantial spending programme amounting to £2.6 billion nationally on special employment and training measures to help the unemployed. Within Wales there is also the continuing commitment to develop job opportunities through the programme of various agencies such as the Welsh Development Agency and the Development Board for Rural Wales.
§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales how many young people in Wales under the age of 18 years are available for, but without work; and what percentage this represents of the age group in that region.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsThe latest available figures relate to October 1982, when 13,596 people under the age of 18 years were registered as unemployed, or 14.6 per cent. of the total population aged 16 to under 18, including those continuing in full-time education.