HC Deb 21 March 1988 vol 130 cc27-8W
22. Mr. Ray Powell

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people were(a) unemployed and (b) employed in Wales in May 1979; and what are the latest figures.

Mr. Peter Walker

On a seaonally adjusted basis, there were 73,100 and 136,700 unemployed claimants in Wales in May 1979 and February 1988 respectively. At September 1979, there were 1,160,000 in employment in Wales. The comparable details for September 1987, the latest available, are 1,021,000.

25. Mr. Roy Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what are the latest unadjusted figures for unemployment in(a) Newport, (b) Gwent and (c) Wales; and if he will give the equivalent figures for 1979 on the most closely comparable basis.

Mr. Peter Walker

On 11 February 1988, the number of unemployed claimants in Newport district, Gwent and Wales were 7,841, 22,923 and 145,458 respectively. Unadjusted figures for 1979 are not available on a basis that enables a valid comparison to be made.