HC Deb 27 April 1972 vol 835 cc335-6W
Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what was the average percentage unemployment in England, Scotland and Wales in intermediate areas on the last date for which figures are available;

(2) what was the lowest percentage of unemployment in an intermediate area in England, Scotland and Wales during the last period for which figures are available.

Mr. Dudley Smith

At 13th March, the latest date for which information is available, the average rate of unemployment in the intermediate areas was 5.5 per cent. and the intermediate area with the lowest rate of unemployment was North-East Lancashire—4.0 per cent. The figures do not take account of the new intermediate areas announced on 22nd March.