§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Employment approximately what percentage of those unemployed for two years live in areas where the unemployment rate is greater than (a) 5 per cent., (b) 10 per cent., (c) 15 per cent. (d) 20 per cent., (e) 25 per cent., and if he will give the numbers in each category.
§ Mr. Jim Lester, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 27 June 1979], gave the following answer:
The following table gives the information based on the numbers unemployed and the unemployment rates in counties. Figures based on smaller areas could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Unemployed for more than 2 years Unemployment rate in counties Numbers Percentage of total for Great Britain More than 5 and up to 10 per cent 97,962 58.0 More than 10 and up to 15 per cent 18,196 10.8 More than 15 and up to 20 per cent 85 0.1 More than 20 and up to 25 per cent — — Over 25 per cent — — Total above 116,243 68.9