HC Deb 30 March 1983 vol 40 cc157-8W
21. Mr. Craigen

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the current level of unemployment in Scotland; what was the equivalent figure in May 1979; and what are the figures for the level of employment at the same dates.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

On 10 February 1983, seasonally adjusted unemployment in Scotland stood provisionally at 316,900 persons, an unemployment rate of 14.6 per cent. The corresponding figures for May 1979 were 159,600 and 7.1 per cent., respectively. Both figures are on the new claimant-based count. Figures for the level of employment are not available for the same dates but in September 1982 total employment in Scotland stood at 1,929,000: in June 1979 it was 2,100,000. These figures are not seasonally adjusted.

Mr. Strang

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the percentage increase in total unemployment from October 1981 to October 1982 and from January 1982 to January 1983 in the Edinburgh travel-to-work area and Scotland, respectively.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

Between October 1981 and October 1982, the number of unemployed registrants—the old basis of the count—increased by 15.1 per cent. in the Edinburgh travel-to-work area and by 8.4 per cent. in Scotland.

The information requested on the changes in unemployment in these areas between January 1982 and January 1983 was given in my reply to the hon. Member on 24 March. —[Vol. 39, c. 454.]