§ Mr. CallaghanTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what changes he plans to improve the accuracy of employment statistics.
§ Miss WiddecombeWe are satisfied with the accuracy of the unemployment claimant count. Nevertheless, we have introduced a number of major improvements over the last two years, including bringing out the labour force survey quarterly as opposed to annually, and the first full census of employers for 12 years. Work is in hand to deliver more timely employment statistics on completion of the interdepartmental business register in 1995. The Department will continue to assess the need for further improvements.