§ 10. Mrs. Betty WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the First Secretary of the National Assembly for Wales about unemployment levels in Wales. [44156]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyI have regular discussions with the First Minister on a range of issues including unemployment in Wales.
The Government recognise that certain sectors, particularly manufacturing, have experienced tough times, due largely to the world economic slowdown. However, over the last year Wales has the best record of any nation or region in the UK in cutting unemployment. Labour force survey statistics show that the unemployment rate in Wales has fallen to 5.4 per cent., down 0.8 percentage points on a year earlier.
§ 26. Julie MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the First Secretary of the National Assembly for Wales about unemployment levels in Wales. [44172]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyI have regular discussions with the First Minister on a wide range of issues including the levels of unemployment in Wales.
The Labour Force Survey statistics show the unemployment rate in Wales has fallen 5.4 per cent., down 0.8 percentage points on a year earlier, while the claimant count was also down by 0.5 percentage points.