§ 35. Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Wales at what date he took over responsibility for employment in Wales; what was the total number of unemployed persons and the percentage unemployed in Wales at that date; and what meetings he has subsequently held with bodies concerned with economic development in Wales to discuss ways of reducing this unemployment level.
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§ Mr. Alec JonesMy right hon. and learned Friend has taken over ministerial responsibility for the activities of the Manpower Services Commission in Wales and for the administration of the careers service in Wales on 1st July this year. The total number of registered unemployed persons in Wales on 14th July 1977 was 91,988 or 8.8 per cent. of the employee population. Along with our ministerial colleagues, my right hon. and learned Friend and I, as well as officials, have regular continuing contact with all the major bodies concerned with economic development in Wales.