§ Mr. Anthony Grantasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the percentage increase in unemployment since February 1974 to the latest convenient date in: (a) special development areas, (b) development areas, (c) intermediate areas, and (d) non-assisted areas; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GoldingThe percentage increases in numbers unemployed in these areas between February 1974 and October 1976 were as follows:
These figures are not adjusted to take account of seasonal factors. The figure for development areas is for development areas exclusive of special development areas contained within them.
Percentage All Special Development Areas 76.7 All Development Areas 87.9 All Intermediate Areas 113.9 All Non-Assisted Areas 163.4 Although the percentage increase in unemployment between February 1974 and October 1976 has been greater in non-assisted areas than in the assisted areas, the average unemployment rate for all non-assisted areas is still considerably below the average rates for the three categories of assisted area.