HC Deb 02 May 1978 vol 949 cc74-5W
Mr. Nott

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what were the numbers of registered unemployed in the employment areas represented by the St. Ives division in February 1970, February 1974 and February 1978; and what percentage these numbers represent as a proportion of the total working population.

Mr. Golding

The number of people registered as unemployed in the Penzance, St. Ives and Helston employment office areas, which cover most of the area of the St. Ives parliamentary division, at February 1970, February 1974 and February 1978 were 1,846, 1,566, and 3,482 respectively. The corresponding unemployment rates were 11.5, 8.4 and 17.1 per cent. These rates are based on the estimated total numbers of employees—employed and unemployed—which differ from the total working population in that they exclude self-employed persons and members of Her Majesty's Forces.

Figures for the Hayle employment office, part of whose area lies within the parliamentary division, have been excluded. The number registered as unemployed at that office in February 1978 was 405. Separate figures are not available for February 1970 and February 1974.