§ Mr. Michael McGuireasked the Secretary of State for Employment to what extent his Department uses unemployment statistics to help to determine policy and allocate priorities in the various regions.
§ Mr. John FraserUnemployment statistics are one of the indicators used by my Department in determining policy and allocating priorities both between and within regions. The actual take-up of resources in particular areas under the various schemes designed to alleviate unemployment which are administered by my Department and by the Manpower Services Commission depends to a large extent on the incidence of applications and on local initiatives.