HC Deb 13 December 1984 vol 69 cc557-8W
Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the latest unemployment figures.

Mr. Alan Clark

The Government are deeply concerned about the current level of unemployment, and some 698,000 people are at present benefiting from our employment and training measures. Sustainable employment depends on a healthy economy, competitive industry and a more flexible labour market. Our policies are directed to those ends and we continue to look for ways of building on what has been achieved so far.

Mr. Fatchett

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what was the percentage of men in the following age groups who were economically active in (a) 1979 and (b) 1983: (i) 18 to 24, (ii) 25 to 34, (iii) 35 to 44, (iv) 45 to 54, (v) 55 to 59 and (vi) 60 to 64 years of age.

Mr. Alan Clark

The proportions of men in the civilian labour force in Great Britain were as follows:

Per cent.
Age 1979 1983
16–24 79.4 79.5
25–34 95.4 93.7
35–44 96.3 95.4
45–54 95.4 93.2
55–59 90.8 84.2
60–64 73.0 59.5