HC Deb 02 April 1984 vol 57 cc367-8W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the increase or decrease in the work force from 1979 to 1983 in (a) the United Kingdom, (b) the United States of America, (c) West Germany. (d) France and (e) Japan.

Mr. Peter Rees

Consistent data are not yet available for 1983. The table below shows changes in the total labour force from 1979 to 1982.

thousands
1979 1982 Change
United Kingdom 26,559 *26,811 +252
United States 106,559 111,872 +5,313
West Germany 26,915 27,455 +540
France 23,050 23,417 +367
Japan 55,960 57,740 +1,780
Source: OECD Labour Force Stastistics
*Department of Employment Gazette.