§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what has been the annual long-term unemployment rate in Wales for each of the years from 1981 up to the latest quarter, April 1985; what efforts his Department is making to seek to lower the long-term unemployment rate; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsLatest quarterly figures relate to July 1985. Figures for July in each year from 1983 are as follows:
Per cent. 1983 38.8 1984 41.4 1985 43.0 Figures prior to 6 October 1982 which are registrant based are not comparable. The rates are: 200W
Per cent. 1981 24.5 1982 35.5 The only effective way to reduce unemployment, including long-term unemployment, is by continuing with the Government's policies to revitalise the economy and promote the basis for sustained growth. In addition, the community programme is specifically designed to help the long-term unemployed and at the end of August over 10,000 people were engaged on community programme projects in Wales. As a result of the planned expansion of the programme this number will more than double by June 1986.
§ Mr. Raffanasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will give the latest available estimate of the number of people who are self-employed in Wales.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsThe latest available estimate relates to June 1984, when the figure was 142,00.