HC Deb 28 January 1988 vol 126 c355W
18. Mr. John Marshall

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the trends in unemployment in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Viggers

In recent months, there has been a firm downward trend in unemployment in Northern Ireland. During the first half of 1987, seasonally adjusted unemployment dropped by an average of 300 per month whereas in the last six months the decrease was 1,000 per month. This indicates that the downward trend has quickened.